Portland Trailblazers Damian Lillard Joins Elite Company in Rookie Debut

In his first action as professional basketball player Trailblazers rookie point guard Damian Lillard made his presence known immediately. 

The sixth pick overall in this year's draft led Portland over the NBA's "Big 4", the Los Angeles Lakers by a score of 116-106. 

The victory set the Blazers off to a 1-0 start and gave them their fourth consecutive win on opening night. 

Lillard was a huge reason for that. The rookie out of Weber State dropped 23 points, while dishing out 11 assists and grabbing three boards. 

He knocked down two key free throws (8-for-8 on the night) and then dished his final assist to LaMarcus Aldridge in the game's final minute to help hold off the surging Lakers.

Los Angeles was led by Dwight Howard (33 points) and Kobe Bryant (30 points)

By recording 20 points and 10 assists, Lillard joined Hall of Famers Isiah Thomas and Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to reach both of those marks in their debuts.

Recording a historic double-double and beating one of the NBA's toughest team in your first game might set some expectations.

But if tonight is any indication of what's to come, Damian Lillard should have no problem topping that performance, as his promising career is just beginning.