Meagher: Heat F LeBron James Praises Blazers G Damian Lillard

Sean Meagher of Oregonlive.com has video of Miami Heat forward LeBron James and coach Erik Spoelstra praising Portland Trail Blazers rookie guard Damian Lillard in advance of Thrusday's nationally-televised game between the two teams.

Here's a transcript of James on Lillard.

"I think he's Rookie of the Year. He's exceeded all expectations and more. He will become great -- he's one of the good point guards we have in our league today. They continue to come, our league is full of really good point guards and he's one of them."

What makes him so good?

"How under control he is. It's like he's been here before. He's never out of his comfort zone. He's never fast, he's never too slow, he plays in his lane. His ability to shoot the ball, drive the ball, makes him a threat."

Here's a transcript of Spoelstra on Lillard.

"It's hard not to like him. It's tough to find savvy, talented young point guards. His play belies his experience. He plays like a veteran player. Hopefully we can make his life a little bit more miserable than he's looked on film, because he's looked very brilliant at times."

Lillard said on Monday that he never shared a court with James and said that James was his pick for MVP of the league (aside from any of his teammates).

Asked for his MVP vote, Lillard went first to his teammate. "I'd probably vote for L.A. If it's other players [outside Portland], if not L.A., I'd probably say LeBron [James] because of everything he brings to the table. I think he's the most dominant player in the league."

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter