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Damian Lillard set to suit up for Team LeBron at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game

By Austin Carroll

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 06: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on prior to taking on the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on February 06, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 06: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on prior to taking on the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on February 06, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Although he didn’t crack the starting lineup, Damian Lillard was still off the board early and will be joining Team LeBron at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.

Headlining the reserve roster of this crop of NBA All-Stars, Portland Trail Blazers‘ superstar Damian Lillard was sure to be a hot commodity entering the All-Star Draft. LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo would take turns adding the best of the best to their respective teams in hopes of besting their rival.

After the starting lineups were selected, Team LeBron boasted the likes of Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic and James Harden. Meanwhile, Team Giannis would feature superstars such as Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Kemba Walker and Trae Young.

Antetokounmpo elected to pass on Lillard with his first pick of the reserves, instead opting to pick up teammate Khris Middleton. LeBron didn’t hesitate to capitalize on this perceived mistake. “I’m going to go with who’s averaged 50 points over the last seven games,” James told TNT’s crew as he pointed at his wrist, “It’s time. Dame Time.”

Even Giannis exhaled after hearing the selection, “Oh man. That was my pick actually, he took my pick, Dame Dolla.” It’s very telling that Lillard’s talent shines through to the top even when accompanied by the NBA’s best.

This marks Dame’s third consecutive and fifth ever All-Star Game. As you might recall, Lillard also played for Team LeBron last year, where he put up 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists en route to 178-164 victory.

If you’d like to watch the full selection show, you can find that here. If you’re busy and don’t have time for all that, here’s how things shook out in the end:

Next. Blazers send Skal Labissiere to Atlanta. dark

Lillard’s all-time record in the All-Star game is 2-2, so he may be looking to break that tie and put himself back up to a positive mark in the win column. Considering the ridiculous hot streak he’s been on as of late, he’ll have plenty of chances to collect some hardware during the break.

Dame will also be participating in the NBA’s 3-point contest, the perfect avenue to warm up for the offensively-oriented and shooter-centric main event.