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LeBron boldly lauds Lillard: 'I'll show you how appreciated he'll be'

Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

If you're still overlooking Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard, LeBron James has an interesting theory to get you to pay attention.

The Trail Blazers have caught fire in recent weeks, winning 10 straight and solidifying their hold on the third seed in the Western Conference. Their hot stretch has been largely thanks to Lillard; the 27-year-old is averaging 32.5 points on 42.7 percent shooting from deep (10.3 attempts per game), while also recording 6.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds during their 10-game stretch.

With the Cavaliers in Portland on Thursday with an eye on ending their opponents' streak, James was asked if he felt Lillard's talents were being overlooked, and The King didn't shy away from offering his take.

"No, I don't think so," James told reporters, courtesy of NBA on TNT. "But he definitely uses that. I like how he uses that. ... There's not a lot of true basketball minds and people that understand the game, but for me, I understand it, I know.

"Give me Damian Lillard and I'll show you how appreciated he'll be."

If James' comments alarm Portland fans, don't worry; the Trail Blazers have Lillard under contract through the 2020-21 season.

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