Rayan Rupert #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trail Blazers defeated the Warriors 106-73. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) Getty Images

Yang Hansen showed love to Damian Lillard on Thursday following the news that the nine-time All-Star would be rejoining the Trail Blazers.

The Blazers finished their 2025 Las Vegas Summer League slate of games with a 3-2 record. Thanks to Yang, this was one of the most exciting summer leagues that I can remember. I understand the decision to sit him in the final game. In the long run we will forget that he sat this one out. Instead, we’ll remember his smooth passes and big smile.