Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard still finds his name in trade rumors, despite the fact he's made it very clear that he wants to win in RIP City.

These rumors have heated up over the past few weeks as the Blazers continue to struggle, but Lillard doesn't see that as a reason to jump ship and move elsewhere. Via Marc Spears of The Undefeated:

“We have a new offense. A new style. A new way of playing,” the Blazers star said. “Me being the leader, I have to overly buy in. I have to show I am committed to that regardless of what it looks like for me, even if I’m struggling offensively to find my spots, to find my way in the offense. Even if I’m missing shots, I got to be the person to show the most buy-in to get everyone to buy in.

“People are saying, ‘Dame is frustrated.’ I am frustrated with losing and not playing my best. But that doesn’t mean I’m sour on my team and I’m looking elsewhere. … That has never been me. This isn’t my first time being in a tough situation.”

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This makes total sense considering the Blazers have a new head coach in Chauncey Billups. The systems they use are going to be completely different. Dame makes a very good point, though.

Although he did struggle to begin the campaign, he is the leader of this franchise. Even when Lillard isn't scoring at will, he has to set an example for the others and get everyone to buy into what Billups is trying to do.

The Blazers are currently 11-18 and have lost seven straight. It's going to take a lot to turn things around but if there is one man who can do it, it's Damian Lillard.