Miami Heat Will Have Had NBA's Best Two Rappers If They Sign Damian Lillard

The Miami Heat become instant contenders if they acquire Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard this offseason.

They also would be the undisputed king of NBA rappers.

Lillard is better than most of today's actual hip-hop artists. He has already released two albums. A Lillard signing would give the Heat best two rappers in NBA history. Shaquille O'Neal, who raps on the side, also had a stint in Miami. He helped lead the Heat to their first championship in 2006.

The two rappers were in a heated battle in 2019.

It started when Lillard appeared on the Joe Budden podcast that September. Budden asked if Lillard was a better rapper than O'Neal. Lillard responded, "I think I rap better than Shaq. People wasn't looking at it like it's a real rapper. It was like, `That's Shaq rapping."'

Naturally, O'Neal had to respond.

He released "Dame D.O.L.L.A Diss" within days.

"What's wrong with these little cats," O'Neal opened on the verse. "... Always bragging about their little max contracts. Dame Dollar, little money when it comes to Shaq."

O'Neal later hit Lillard with some more basketball-related verses.

Take your time to respond, there is no hurry

You’ll never be (Russell) Westbrook, never be (Stephen) Curry

And then this.

What’s in your wallet, American Express or Visa

Talkin’ like you're `Bron (LeBron James), You ain’t even Trevor Ariza

Lillard was quick to hit back with the "Reign Reign Go Away" track. He took shots at O'Neal's acting and commercial career while also getting in a Kobe Bryant dig.

We both could be working at Kinkos

Kobe won you those rings, though

Nursery rhyme spitting, small-car sitting

Icy Hot poster boy, TNT snitching

He later took aim at the Orlando Magic choosing to build around Penny Hardaway when O'Neal left for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996.

It'd be wise to move on Aristole cause this a gimme

All the money in the world but traded you for Penny

The NBA rap heavyweights exchanged one more round. O'Neal followed up with his "Second Round Knockout. O'Neal addressed Lillard's playoff performances and lack of titles.

Talking Crazy ain't get you nothing but smoke

Like when we see you in the playoffs every year and you choke

He then responded to Lillard's claim of Bryant carrying the Lakers to championships.

That little Kobe comment you said had me grinnin'

Three times MVP, damn, at least I'm winning

Lillard ended the battle with "I Rest My Case." He basically labeled O'Neal's rap as comedy, saying no one takes him serious.

You're not a rapper, you're comedy, commentary and actor

Feed him with a sling shot , you better call the pastor

No winner was proclaimed but most said Lillard got the better of O'Neal in the playful battle. Many chose Lillard because of his lyrics and delivery.

I'm Dollar but not for the dollar signs

Only Dame you beat was 2000 and that was (Damon) Stoudemire

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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