Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, fresh off his third three-point contest victory in four years, has begun recruiting a marquee field for the 2027 edition of the event.
Lillard, who is rehabbing a torn Achilles, scored 29 points in Saturday’s final round to edge Devin Booker and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel at All-Star Weekend. No player has ever captured the long-range title four times; Lillard will attempt to become the first next season, when the All-Star Game heads to Phoenix.
On Sunday night, the seven-time All-Star posted an Instagram screenshot showing a direct message to Stephen Curry. In the exchange, Lillard asked the Golden State Warriors star to join him, Klay Thompson, Booker and “four more real shooters” in next year’s contest. Curry replied that he is committed and believes Thompson will participate if invited. He added that competing in Booker’s home arena provides a “perfect setup.”
Curry (2015, 2021), Thompson (2016) and Booker (2018) are all former three-point champions. The trio last appeared together in 2019, when Joe Harris claimed the trophy. Booker posted a contest-high 30 points in this year’s opening round but fell one shy of Lillard in the final, prompting the Blazers guard to admit he was “praying on his downfall” as the Suns star’s shots rimmed out.
Thompson has not entered the competition since 2018, and Curry’s most recent appearance came in 2021. Speaking Sunday, Curry confirmed he will return in Phoenix. “Oh, 100%. I already scheduled it,” he said. “Me, Dame. I’m going to try and get Klay.”
The race for a historic fourth title — and a star-studded lineup — is officially underway.
Source: ESPN
