Damian Lillard, fresh off his 3-point contest victory at the All-Star Weekend, is already eyeing next season's competition. The Portland Trail Blazers guard, recovering from a torn Achilles, still managed to win the 3-point contest on Saturday night, his third win in four years. This is a remarkable feat, as no player has ever won the event four times. Lillard's ambition is to face the best of the best, and he's already started the recruitment process.
On Sunday, Lillard shared a screenshot of an Instagram message he sent to Stephen Curry, inviting him to lure Klay Thompson, Devin Booker, and '4 more real shooters' for next year's contest. Curry, a past winner in 2015 and 2021, replied affirmatively, indicating that Thompson will join if asked. With Booker's participation, the All-Star Game in Phoenix next year is set to be a 'perfect setup'.
Curry, Thompson, and Booker are all past winners of the contest, and their involvement would be a significant boost to Lillard's chances of winning again. In 2019, Lillard, Curry, and Booker participated together, with Joe Harris winning. This year, Booker had a strong start in the first round, but Lillard emerged victorious in the final, with a score of 29, just one point ahead of Booker.
Thompson and Curry's rivalry in the 2016 championship round is also memorable, with Thompson winning by four points. Thompson hasn't returned to the event since 2018, while Curry's last appearance was in 2021. However, Thompson announced his return to Phoenix, indicating his eagerness to participate.
Lillard's recruitment efforts are underway, and the 2027 3-point contest is set to be an exciting affair with the potential involvement of these legendary players.
