Signing an extension with the Portland Trail Blazers did not mean that Damian Lillard had abandoned his goal of winning an NBA Championship. No, what it really did was send a clear message to the organization that the star believes he can hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy in Rip City.

Now, he needs the Blazers to validate that faith. They are one game behind the New Orleans Pelicans for the 10th seed in the Western Conference, the final spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. So, there is little that can be done now to make the team bonafide contenders outside of Lillard going on perhaps the greatest singular run in league history.

The point guard is already averaging a career-high 32.3 points per game (third in NBA) while also dishing out more than seven assists, and the team is just 31-35. Help is needed. Lillard wants action this summer.