Damian Lillard seeks to enlist Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Devin Booker for the 2027 three-point shooting competition.
Following his victory in the 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend, Damian Lillard is actively seeking top competitors for the upcoming season.
The guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, currently recovering from a torn Achilles, still managed to secure the win in the 3-point contest on Saturday night. His final round score of 29 narrowly surpassed Devin Booker and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, marking Lillard’s third triumph in four years.
Since the 3-point contest’s establishment in 1986, no player has claimed victory four times. As Lillard aims for this milestone next year, he is eager to compete against the finest players.
On Sunday night, Lillard posted a screenshot of an Instagram message he sent to Stephen Curry, discussing the possibility of enticing Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson, Booker, and “four more genuine shooters” for next year’s contest. Curry responded affirmatively, stating that Thompson would participate if asked. He also noted that with Booker being local—since the All-Star Game will take place in Phoenix next year—it creates an ideal scenario.
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Curry (2015 and 2021), Thompson (2016), and Booker (2018) are all former champions of the contest. In 2019, Lillard, Curry, and Booker participated alongside Joe Harris, who emerged as the winner.
In his fifth appearance in the 3-point contest, Booker recorded 30 points in the first round, the highest score among all participants, but fell short by one point to Lillard in the final. Booker started strong in that round, prompting Lillard to begin visualizing his success.
“I was hoping for his downfall. … He was in a good position. It just took a few shots to miss, but that’s how it goes sometimes,” he remarked.
Thompson and Curry faced off in the championship round of 2016, with Thompson narrowly defeating his then-teammate by four points. Thompson has not participated in the event since 2018, while Curry last competed in 2021. However, he announced on Sunday night that he will return in Phoenix.
“Oh 100%. I already scheduled it. We’re going to bring some people,” he stated. “Me, Dame. I’m going to try and get Klay.”
Let the recruitment commence.
