Yahoo EntertainmentLaMarcus Aldridge retirement: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, NBA players, fans react
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Aldridge retirement: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, NBA players, fans react originally appeared on NBC Sports Northwest
Veteran big man and former Portland Trail Blazers LaMarcus Aldridge shocked the NBA world Thursday morning when he announced his sudden retirement from the game of basketball.
Aldridge stated that he was experiencing an irregular heartbeat during the Brooklyn Nets' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.
He untimely decided that his health and well-being and being there for his family was more important than risking his life.
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) April 15, 2021
Aldridge only played five games for the Brooklyn Nets after being bought out by the San Antonio Spurs.
But fans of Aldridge remember him during his time with the Trail Blazers, where he spent 9 seasons in Portland and made four NBA All-Star teams while helping lead the franchise to five playoff appearances in the Western Conference.
When the news broke, fans and former teammates took to Twitter and other social media platforms to thank Aldridge for what he brought to Portland and give him his flowers for an outstanding career in the NBA.
Always remember the good times, particularly those at McLoughlin Auto Mall #RipCity https://t.co/Bb7hfYaoe4
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) April 15, 2021
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) April 15, 2021
Hall of fame career and even better person!!! Salute to you killa @aldridge_12 🙏🏾 https://t.co/fACGNaidkU
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 15, 2021
One of my favorite players of all time. Sad to see it end but glad you got out before it got worse. Looking forward to seeing that #12 up with the banners in the Moda Center in the future. https://t.co/resweBaCpe
— Spencer (@Sp3ncerM) April 15, 2021
Love you LaMarcus https://t.co/gwigEXKEWr
— ChadinPortland 🎙 (@ChadinRipCity) April 15, 2021
Blazers Legend LaMarcus Aldridge https://t.co/eW7t0GEeXE
— Joe Simons (@joesimonssays) April 15, 2021
— Mr. Portland (@Mr_Portland) April 15, 2021
One of my all time favorite players! Take care of yourself and enjoy retirement! https://t.co/Y07VvXJFNr
— erin 🏀💙 (@e_griff12) April 15, 2021
Damn. Scary stuff. The right decision, no doubt. Still think about what would have been if LMA had stayed in Portland. Enjoy that long vacation, big fella. https://t.co/km1N8ZKXpC
— Goldy (@GoldGloveTV) April 15, 2021
"You never know when something will come to an end, so make sure you enjoy it every day." https://t.co/CvKj80DGRP
— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) April 15, 2021
LaMarcus made A LOT of people fall
in love with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Thank you 🖤 @aldridge_12 pic.twitter.com/HNEAv9BWRx— Jake (@TheJakeMcGrady) April 15, 2021
Sad to see a player retire unexpectedly. Kids these days never experienced prime Lamarcus Aldridge and it shows. Enjoy retirement big fella pic.twitter.com/0N0KZ1Oljp
— Mink Flow (@currypiston) April 15, 2021
He is Portland's all-time leading rebounder (5,434) and has scored the third-most points (12,562) in franchise history. He averaged 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Enjoy the retirement, LA! You have earned it.