In the world of professional sports, strong rivalry is the norm, yet fate may be unpredictable. Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers’ standout point guard, recently opened up about a moment nearly 11 years ago that still haunts him. The collision that ended the 2x NBA MVP?s basketball career. The Canadian Superstar played as a point guard who even was an 8x NBA All-Star.

As a guest on a podcast show, Lillard couldn’t help but reminisce about the moment that had happened and spoke about his remorse for it.

Lillard opens up about the career-ending injury

This incident occurred about 11 years ago, but Lillard remembers it in a way as if it happened just yesterday. His clear remembrance of the occurrence emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. This surprising turn of events resulted in repercussions throughout the NBA. During an episode of the BackOnFIGG podcast, Lillard shared this moving memory. He recalled a knee-to-knee collision with Steve Nash in Portland’s season opening in 2012. Nobody knew at the time that this chance meeting would have such a deep impact.

Lillard says, “Me and Nash, when he ended his career with his leg injury, me and him ran into each other. I actually kneed him on accident, just in collision, and that actually ended his career? I was like, I feel bad bruh“. He admitted all this, showing genuine regret for what happened that day. While Nash went on to play 60 more games for the Los Angeles Lakers over the next two seasons, it was clear he was never the same. His illustrious career included two MVP titles and a reputation as one of the best point guards in NBA history. Nash played in only 15 games with the Lakers during the 2013-14 season before deciding to retire. Lillard’s career, on the other hand, went a different path. He rose to become a dominant force in the league and, inversely, a Lakers tormentor. Lillard averaged 28.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 35 games versus the Lakers over his career, according to StatMuse. Portland won 24 of those games, cementing Lillard’s role as the Lakers’ adversary. However, recently Lillard is making headlines for his trade rumors as after 11 years of service he wants out from the Trail Blazers.

Lillard’s trade rumors

The NBA trade rumor mill is still churning, with Damian Lillard at the heart of it all. For the past two months, the Portland Trail Blazers’ star point guard has been at the heart of trade negotiations, and his favorite destination, the Miami Heat, has been the topic of considerable speculation. However, it looks like Portland is making things difficult for Miami. Lillard’s trade request shook the NBA, and commentators have speculated on landing possible destinations. Some, like Bill Simmons, recommended the Minnesota Timberwolves, but new indications indicate that another club from the Eastern Conference is joining the battle.

The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for Damian Lillard. Per reports, the Hornets are anxious to combine young talent Tyler Herro with the electric LaMelo Ball. They can aim at producing what may be the Eastern Conference’s newest formidable backcourt.

Read More: ?Future Heat Legend?: Damian Lillard Restlessly Shares and Deletes a Puzzling Post While Blazers Gather More Help For Trade

This unexpected turn in the Lillard trade drama has given a new layer to an already compelling offseason story. NBA fans are now anticipating the conclusion of this high-stakes trade challenge, speculating where Damian Lillard will end up next season.

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