Not Better Than LaMelo? Damian Lillard, a Top 75 Legend, Faces Disrespect

Recently, DeMarcus Cousins made waves with a bold statement during a media appearance. Speaking about LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets’ young star, Cousins declared: "LaMelo is already a top-five point guard in the league. He’s shown tremendous improvement this year. He’s a superstar in a small market and, without a doubt, ahead of Damian Lillard right now."

It’s an eye-catching claim, and while LaMelo has made significant strides this season, does it really put him ahead of Lillard, a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and a seven-time All-Star? Let’s break it down.

LaMelo Ball's Breakout Year

This season, LaMelo Ball has elevated his game in impressive fashion. The 22-year-old guard is averaging 31.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, ranking third in the league in scoring. For comparison, he averaged 23.9 points last season.

Ball’s offensive role has expanded considerably, as evidenced by his league-leading 38.5% usage rate. His 24.9 shot attempts per game even surpass the prime seasons of James Harden (24.5 attempts in 2018-19).

However, there are drawbacks to Ball’s high usage. His true shooting percentage sits at 56.4%, a middling figure compared to the league’s elite scorers. He also struggles with turnovers, averaging 4.5 per game. Most glaringly, Ball’s individual brilliance hasn’t translated to team success. The Hornets have lost 12 of the 18 games he’s played this season.

Durability is another concern. Ball has developed a reputation for being injury-prone, playing only 58 games over the past two seasons. He is currently sidelined once again.

Lillard: The Veteran Star

Damian Lillard, meanwhile, continues to deliver for the Milwaukee Bucks, his new team following a blockbuster trade from Portland. In 21 games this season, Lillard is averaging 25.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists. He ranks 10th in both scoring and assists.

While his scoring has dipped compared to his final season with the Trail Blazers (32.2 points per game), Lillard’s efficiency remains elite. His shooting splits—45.4% from the field, 37.2% from three, and 92.0% from the free-throw line—result in a true shooting percentage of 62.6%. This level of efficiency puts him among the NBA’s best guards and is notably superior to Ball’s numbers.

High-level advanced metrics also favor Lillard. His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) slightly edges out Ball’s, reaffirming his value as an elite point guard.

Lillard's Role in Milwaukee

Lillard’s transition to the Bucks has shifted his priorities. As the team’s second option behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lillard isn’t chasing gaudy individual stats. Instead, he’s focused on winning and complementing the two-time MVP.

When Giannis has been out, however, Lillard has shown he can still carry a team. In two games without Antetokounmpo this season, Lillard scored 36 points and 7 assists in one game and followed it with a 37-point, 12-assist performance in the next.

Milwaukee’s season didn’t start smoothly, but the Bucks have won 11 of their last 14 games, climbing to sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 13-11 record. Lillard’s late-game heroics have been crucial in this stretch. For example, in the Bucks’ recent in-season tournament quarterfinal against the Magic, Lillard tallied 28 points, 9 assists, and hit several clutch shots, including a decisive three-pointer and layup in the fourth quarter.

Comparing Ball and Lillard

The LaMelo vs. Lillard debate ultimately comes down to context and perspective. Ball is the undisputed focal point of a rebuilding Hornets team, while Lillard is tasked with helping a title-contending Bucks squad succeed. Their roles, goals, and expectations are entirely different.

Ball’s stats may look flashier, but they come with caveats. His high usage rate and lack of team success invite questions about whether his production is more about volume than impact.

Lillard, on the other hand, is prioritizing efficiency and team success over personal accolades. His current role in Milwaukee highlights his ability to adapt, and he remains a lethal scorer who can take over games when needed.

Lillard's Legacy

It’s also worth remembering what makes Lillard special. His inclusion in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team wasn’t just about his scoring or highlight-reel buzzer-beaters. It was recognition of his sustained excellence and leadership. Over the course of his career, Lillard has:

• Made the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons with Portland.
• Been selected to seven All-Star games and seven All-NBA teams.
• Averaged over 25 points per game for eight straight seasons.

Lillard’s ability to elevate his teams in the competitive Western Conference—leading Portland to the postseason year after year—sets him apart. Few young guards, LaMelo included, have demonstrated comparable leadership or success in their careers so far.

The Future for LaMelo

None of this is to diminish Ball’s potential. He’s an incredibly gifted player with the tools to become a perennial All-Star. If he can improve his efficiency, limit turnovers, and stay healthy, he could evolve into one of the league’s top point guards.

For now, though, Ball has work to do to reach the level of dominance and consistency that Lillard has displayed for over a decade.

As Cousins pointed out, Ball is a superstar in the making. But for now, the title of a top-five point guard—let alone being better than Lillard—might be premature. The journey to greatness is a marathon, not a sprint, and Ball still has many miles to run.