Back in 2012, Damian Lillard burst on the scene for the Portland Trail Blazers quickly becoming one of the team’s best players alongside veteran forward LaMarcus Aldridge.
— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Mamba Strikes Back” T-Shirts? —
On Thursday, Lillard got a bit nostalgic about his rookie season on Instagram posting a picture of him guarding superstar Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. Lillard and Bryant battled it out at the Moda Center in Portland with the rookie going off for 38 points.
Two night later at the Staples Center, the Lakers played host to the Golden State Warriors. Kobe went down with a torn Achilles tendon in that game ending his season and shedding doubt on whether he’d be able to bounce back from the injury.
Kobe played six games the following season before going down with a knee injury. The future Hall of Famer didn’t scored more than 21 points last season leading many to doubt whether he’ll be the same offensive force he once was.
[divide]Lakers 5-On-5 Scrimmage Footage: Kobe, Nash, Nick Young Trash Talk
