Milwaukee Bucks Damian Lillard failed to join NBA history during All-Star Weekend. Lillard grew up in Oakland, Calif., just a short drive from the Chase Center where all the festivities are taking place.

Damian Lillard has etched his name into All-Star royalty in recent years but, ahead of his ninth appearance, this year’s event is extra special for the Milwaukee Bucks guard.

For Oakland native Damian Lillard and Warriors star Stephen Curry, shining a light on Oakland's deep sports history and the legacies of so many Black athletes through the NBA HBCU Classic meant so much during All-Star Weekend.