Damian Lillard said his working relationship with LaMarcus Aldridge informed how he treats Jusuf Nurkic.

When Lillard joined the Blazers, he looked for Aldridge for mentorship but was left to fend for himself.

“It’s going to sound crazy,’’ Lillard said, “but it’s almost what I wish I had with LaMarcus.’’

“Damian Lillard,’’ Nurkic said, “is the best thing that has happened to me in my life.’’

“Me and LaMarcus had a good relationship. We never had a single argument. We really got along,’’ Lillard said. “I’m just saying the stuff I want to go out of my way to do for (Nurkic), is the stuff I wish I got from LaMarcus.’’

Aldridge has a reputation for being an introvert and he eventually was rumored to have an issue with how beloved Lillard became in Portland.

“I wish it was like more of a brotherhood, more of a line of communication, with me as young player and him as an All-Star,’’ Lillard said.

“It wasn’t his personality (to reach out),’’ Lillard said. “But as a younger player, I came into the league wishing … and thinking he was going to take me under his wing, like his lil’ bro.”