LaMarcus Aldridge unexpectedly announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday after an impressive 15-year career, and Damian Lillard said the Trail Blazers should retire his jersey now that he's done playing.
"It's time for the Blazers to retire No. 12," Lillard said on "Jalen & Jacoby." "You know, he had an amazing career in a Trail Blazers uniform."
Aldridge spent his first nine seasons in Portland, making four All-Star teams and forming a formidable duo with Lillard. The two led the Trail Blazers to their first playoff series win since the '90s and put up impressive numbers. Some Portland fans turned on Aldridge when he left the team in 2015 to sign with the Spurs, but Lillard says that shouldn't overshadow his impressive play.
"There is no denying the kind of career he had in Portland and what he meant to this city," he said.
Blazers star @Dame_Lillard joined @JalenRose and @djacoby as the LaMarcus Aldridge retirement news broke, and immediately asked Portland to RETIRE #12 pic.twitter.com/jtkPSCzdR3
— Jalen & Jacoby (@JalenandJacoby) April 15, 2021
After five-and-a-half seasons with the Spurs, Aldridge joined the Brooklyn Nets following San Antonio buying him out of his contract. However, Aldridge only played five games with the Nets before experiencing an irregular heartbeat during a game, which is what made him decide to retire.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!