Damian Lillard Praises LaMarcus Aldridge, Says “It’s Time For Blazers to Retire No. 12”

Seven-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge announced his retirement from the NBA today after another bout with an irregular heartbeat. As players and fans reminisce on some of his more memorable performances, former Portland Trail Blazers teammate Damian Lillard took to ESPN’s Jalen and Jacoby to campaign for the retirement of Aldridge’s No. 12 jersey in Portland.

“It’s time for the Blazers to retire No. 12. You know, he had an amazing career in a Trail Blazers uniform. I think everybody was expecting him to return, and he ended up leaving and it was kind of like people felt some type of way about it. But there’s no denying the kind of career he had in Portland and what he meant to this city, so, I think that’s the proper respect to retire his jersey because of who he was and what he did for this organization.”

Aldridge’s current ranks among the Blazers franchise records could be enough to at least warrant a discussion, especially with how much weight Lillard’s word carries among the Blazers organization.

Here’s where he stands among major categories: games played (No. 5), field goals made (No. 3), rebounds (No. 1), blocks (No. 4), and points (No. 3). Over nine seasons, Aldridge also contributed 19.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game in the regular season and averages of 22.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in the Playoffs. He also guided the Blazers to their first postseason series victory in 14 years.

Lillard also discussed his thoughts on his Most Valuable Player candidacy, among other topics. The link to the full episode can be found above.