Damian Lillard has nothing to do with Kyrie Irving and his reported demand to be traded from Cleveland, but he keeps finding his name intertwined with the drama.
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Lillard specifically called out ESPN writer Tom Haberstroh, who introduced a couple of negative comparisons between the two star point guards.
"Irving might fancy himself as the next Kobe (Bryant) or (Russell) Westbrook — alpha dogs who became MVPs after their co-star left the picture — but you can't just ignore Irving's losing track record as the No. 1 guy. The more realistic expectation is that he's another Lillard," Haberstroh wrote.
Lillard was not having it.
Bro I'm really gettin tired of y'all throwing my name around. Maybe you should check my track record. Over 500 and in the playoffs every yr https://t.co/6ISstoIYMz
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 26, 2017
Lillard does have a point. Aside from a tough rookie year in 2012-13, the Trail Blazers have had a winning record each season since. They have also frequented the playoffs during Lillard's tenure.
From an individual standpoint, Lillard is one of just three players (Oscar Robertson and LeBron James) who has recorded more than 1,500 points and 400 assists in their first five years in the league.