NBA News: Blazers Superstar Met With Lakers Top Dogs; No Formal Invite Made

Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers is someone whose name has been mentioned in the NBA trade rumor mill for quite some time, and most speculate a blockbuster move at some point.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to the six-time All-Star, and Lillard did have lunch with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the offseason.

Lillard revealed that part of the conversations they had was about his future.

All three had lunch at James’ home in Brentwood. However, the 31-year-old clarified that he was never formally invited to join the franchise.

The No. 6 overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft mentioned in an interview with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports James just gave him some advice on what would happen if he had left Portland.

But even if he was not formally invited, Lillard believes he would be a perfect fit because of his skill set.

"'Bron asked what I was thinking with my situation, and I told him what I’m telling you: that I just want to be in a position to win it all,” Lillard shared.

“He painted the picture to me that if I were to leave, the situation could look like this. He didn’t tell me to come to L.A., and he didn’t say anything to me that I didn’t already know other than what it could look like. I told him, ‘I know if I were to play with y’all, I know it would work out because of my skill set,’ and who I am and who they are."

Lillard opted to remain with the Trail Blazers, despite the growing belief he would leave and join a contender. squad

As for the Lakers, they ended up getting Russell Westbrook, an equally talented player who owns a more than satisfactory skill set.

Had Lillard joined the Lakers, it would have boosted their roster a lot more although it would have been complicated due to the finances involved.

Lillard is only in the first year of a four-year $176 million deal but owns a player option by 2024.

Moreover, he will only become an unrestricted free agent by 2025 and the only way he can move to another NBA club is via blockbuster trade.

With the big money needed to pry him away from Portland, it will not be easy to snag Lillard from the Trail Blazers.

Financially-strapped teams like the Lakers will have to do a lot of planning if they want to take him in.

But then again, there are other up-and-rising teams who have the salary space, assuming Lillard decides to move on and start getting better chances at winning an NBA title.