LeBron James On Damian Lillard: “That Guy’s a Superstar”

LeBron James is a fan of Damian Lillard. In his post-shootaround comments Thursday afternoon, James spoke fondly of Lillard’s game, and discussed how Lillard should always be appreciated. Erik Garcia Gundersen of USA Today’s LeBron Wire transcribed his comments:

That guy’s a superstar in our league and he’s showing it right now. He’s leading the team obviously where I don’t think a lot of people thought they’d be at the beginning of the season. But him as the leader of the team he has them in position to fight in the West.”

James went on to discuss Lillard’s penchant for using any disrespect or lack of appreciation as “more wood” on his fire:

“He definitely uses that. I don’t think he is that. If you’re a true basketball mind, and there’s not a lot of true basketball people that understand the game, but for me I understand, it I know. Give me Damian Lillard, I’ll show you how appreciated he’ll be.”

Lillard and James face off tonight in Cleveland’s annual visit to the Moda Center, with both teams jockeying for playoff position in their respective conferences. If the Cavs’ games in Portland often feel unusual, you’re not alone. Cleveland.com recapped the past few seasons of weird games for the Cavs in the Rose City.