Lillard Challenges Broussard To Expand On Paul George Comment

As speculation swirls around the future of Indiana Pacers All-Star forward Paul George, Chris Broussard of Fox Sports tosses his two cents into the whirlpool, warning George that a move to a losing team in the west could mean giving up All-Star status. The quote in question caught the attention of Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, as Broussard named him as his example.

Lillard was named to the Western Conference NBA All-Star team in 2014 and again in 2015, but has since been left off the roster despite increasing his scoring average every season. He was compelled to contact Broussard about the statement, responding to Broussard on Twitter and later calling in to his radio show.

Trail Blazers digital reporter Casey Holdahl transcribed a portion of the conversation as follows:

"For me, it’s not about the All-Star game," said Lillard to Broussard and Mark Willard. "My thing is this: You said if he goes to the Lakers and they lose, then he’s gonna have a hard time making the All-Star game. The last four years, I haven’t been a loser, so my question is why was my name mentioned or used for that example? The production has always been there, we’ve been in the playoffs."

The discussion was polite and Broussard elaborated on his comment, saying that “if you, like, squeak into the playoffs or don’t make the playoffs in the west, chances are you not making the All-Star team,” which is a fair point. Broussard’s intention was to caution George about joining the Los Angeles Lakers—as many have suggested he will do when he becomes a free agent in 2018—because the competition for the All-Star team is thick in the west.

No harm, no foul.

You can read Holdahl’s full take of the back-and-forth by following this link.