Report: Damian Lillard pulls out of 3-Point Contest at All-Star Game [UPDATE]

UPDATE: After initially being reported as in the field, Haynes is now saying that Lillard will not be in the 3-Point Contest, instead opting for rest prior to the All-Star Game on Sunday.

Portland Trail Blazers PG Damian Lillard is the first player to decide to participate in the 3-point contest prior to the 2021 NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta on March 7, Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported Wednesday afternoon. The 3-point shootout is expected to take place prior to the All-Star Game. Dame is the first player linked to the 3-point contest, though he hasn’t confirmed his participation yet.

The NBA hasn’t announced who will be in the All-Star Game as voting continues by the fans. It would be very shocking to see Dame not voted in or chosen by the coaches and players to participate in the All-Star Game. Lillard is shooting just 38 percent from beyond the arc this season. Dame had a very interesting quote on the All-Star Game happening this season despite the ongoing pandemic and Covid-19 concerns.

“There’s repercussions for us not [having an All-Star Game],” Lillard told Yahoo Sports last week. “It could be something negative for us not going along with that. If that’s what we’re going to do, I’m with it. But if we’re not, I’m fine with that, too.”