The Portland Trail Blazers and the Washington Wizards are two teams that are going to look a bit different in the upcoming season. Even though neither team faces each other until February, Bradley Beal had some positive comments to say about Damian Lillard.

“I would say a guy I always respect and admire is Dame,” Beal said, via Lindsey Wisniewski of NBC Sports Washington. “I always liked Dame’s game. I watch him, just his work ethic.

The Wizards are preparing to face the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday to tip-off their preseason schedule. Despite facing the Nets, Beal took some time to share his respect for Lillard, who will square off against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night to begin the Blazers' preseason schedule.

After seeing what Beal said about him, Lillard took to Twitter to return the favor, seemingly showing that he's a fan of Beal's game as well.

Article Continues Below
More Washington Wizards News
Will Dawkins and Michael Winger smile next to 2025 NBA Draft logo
The only blockbuster NBA Draft trade Wizards must pursueJoshua Valdez ·
Naz Reid playing for Timberwolves with T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Naz Reid free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Kristaps Porzingis playing for the Wizards.
Wizards trade proposal for Kristaps Porzingis in offseason if Celtics shed salaryBailey Bassett ·
Washington Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr (20), guard Carlton Carrington (8) and Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) watch for the rebound during the second half at Kia Center.
Wizards’ Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington make wild franchise history with All-Rookie nodsJoshua Valdez ·
image thumbnail
Warriors rumors: Brandin Podziemski trade proponents want a player more like Jordan PooleJulian Ojeda ·
Fans behind 2025 NBA Draft logo
Why there’s still hope for Wizards after drawing No. 6 pick in draft lotteryJoshua Valdez ·

Both Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal can be described as players who have remained loyal to the franchises that drafted them. Ironically enough, both of them are entering their eighth season in the NBA in 2020-21.

Additionally, they both have All-Star guards alongside them, with Lillard being accompanied by CJ McCollum on the Blazer. Of course, Beal will now have a new backcourt member in Russell Westbrook after the Wizards traded John Wall for him.

There are uncanny similarities betwee Lillard and Beal in terms of their situations. While they are both their own unique players, Beal is fond of how Lillard works tirelessly on perfecting his game.