The Portland Trail Blazers have tried for decades to return to a championship caliber team. After the Bill Walton era, the Blazers turned to Clyde Drexler, then Brandon Roy then to LaMarcus Aldridge. While regular season success has been a staple, a championship has continued to elude the proud franchise. Now the pressure falls on the shoulders of the dynamic Damian Lillard. But can he handle it?

The answer to that has been a resounding yes, but much like Kobe, Jordan, and even LeBron James before him, he needs help. But this is where the Lillard and Blazers' story takes a crazy turn.

Since entering the league in 2012, Damian Lillard has had to fight for every accolade he's earned. Coming out of small Weber State, no one expected the high-scoring college guard to take a spot among the best in the league. But he's done just that and more.

In his early years, Lillard was paired with another young stud in LaMarcus Aldridge. Together, they would lead the Blazers to two trips to the playoffs in their three years as a tandem. But Aldrige felt the team slipping away from him and wanted out. Instead of Lillard and Aldridge becoming the next great inside/outside duo, they parted ways leaving Lillard to fend for himself.

But his misery wouldn't last too long.

Once Aldridge was gone, Damian Lillard received another blessing in yet another draft gem in C.J. McCollum. Since coming into his own in 2015, the Lillard and McCollum backcourt has earned the praise as one of the best in the NBA. However, they have not been able to take regular season success and duplicate that in the playoffs.

During their run, the Portland Trail Balzers have not made a Finals appearance. Are they talented? Yes. But there has to be some sort of curse. As good as Lillard is, he's dealt with heartache after heartache since entering the league. The 2018-19 NBA season was where it was supposed to end.

The Blazers entered the year with over-priced contracts purged from their roster. The core of the team revolved around Lillard, McCollum, and Jusuf Nurkic. Out the gate, the Blazers endured their share of ups and downs. But as the season began to wind down and they were making their push up the Western Conference standings, tragedy stuck. McCollum went down with a knee injury March 16th and his return has yet to be determined. Nevertheless, the Blazers have ridden the hot hands of Lillard and Nurkic as they've managed to keep a hold on the 3rd spot in the West.

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But things have changed for Lillard and crew again.

Nurkic suffered a gruesome injury and will miss the remainder of the season and playoffs. With McCollum out, Lillard was relying on the scoring, rebounding, passing and defense in which Nurkic provided at least until McCollum returned. Now, Lillard is left standing at the altar alone, yet again.

While the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets appear destined for another WCF showdown, the Blazers, at full strength may have been the only team capable of upsetting both. However, Lillard can't do it alone. And even with a healthy C.J. by his side, it's not possible.

Injuries and heartbreak are a part of the game. However, for a superstar like Lillard, this is a reoccurring nightmare.

Just when it seems the Portland Trail Blazers are ready to make that final push, something devasting happens. Will this continue to be the norm for Lillard and his career? The last two seasons, there have been rumors of he or McCollum possibly being traded. For a superstar of Lillard's status, this is unacceptable.

He's given his all for the Blazers and yet, freak injuries and disgruntled players have continued to take away his shine. How long before he snaps and looks elsewhere? Who's to say these same obstacles won't arise again? For all the effort Damian Lillard displays, he will be measured by team success.