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For the second time in his career, Portland Trail Blazers’ star point guard Damian Lillard has received the honor of the Magic Johnson Award. The award, established by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, recognizes “the player who best combines excellence on the basketball court with cooperation and dignity in dealing with the media and the public.” Jason Quick of the Athletic reported the news via Twitter.
For the second time in his career @Dame_Lillard has been voted the winner of the Magic Johnson Award by the Professional Basketball Writers Association. The award is given annually to the player who combines excellence on the court with cooperation with the media.
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) December 23, 2020
Lillard previously received the award in the 2016-17 season. The PBWA started the award in the 2000-01 season with inaugural recipient Ray Allen. The only other Blazer to have received the award is Brandon Roy in the 2008-09 season. Winners are selected via a vote by the PBWA. According to the PBWA, finalists for this year’s award were Kemba Walker of the Boston Celtics, Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz.