Since entering the NBA in 2012, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has had some of his best games against the Los Angeles Lakers.
In just his rookie season, Lillard went head-to-head against Kobe Bryant and finished with 38 points and nine assists. However, Kobe finished with 47 points and five assists in a thrilling 113-106 victory.
In last night’s game, Lillard finished with 29 points, four rebounds and seven assists in 36 minutes as the Blazers came away with a victory. Following the game, Kobe Bryant had high praise for Lillard, calling him ‘one of the best players in the league’ according to LakersNation.com reporter Serena Winters:
Kobe Bryant on Damian Lillard: "He’s one of the best players in the league. He’s a fantastic player.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 29, 2015
After playing four years at Weber State University, Lillard quickly established himself as one of the best point guards in the league. During the Golden Era of point guards, Lillard has been an All-Star in two of his three seasons.
With the Blazers losing four of their starters from last season via free agency and trades, Lillard has performed at a high level with his team currently 7-10. In 17 games, Lillard is averaging 25.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.2 assists as the number one option.
While this may be Kobe’s final season in the NBA, there should be plenty of battles between Lillard and D’Angelo Russell. While the All-Star point guard won the battle last night, Russell had 16 points, four rebounds and five assists in 38 minutes.