"Just names earning millions" - When Arvydas Sabonis blasted his Blazers teammates after getting swept by the Lakers

After losing to the Los Angeles Lakers by just five points in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals, the Portland Trail Blazers hoped to avenge that defeat when they faced LA again the following year in the first round. However, then-Blazers center Arvydas Sabonis thought he was the only one feeling that way.

Instead of giving the Lakers another challenging seven-game series, the Trail Blazers got eliminated in a crushing sweep. Out of disappointment, "Sabas" took a swipe at his teammates when the series was over.

" There aren't players on the Portland team, just names earning millions," Sabonis said at the time.

Sabas was prompted to retire

Sabonis was a vital part of the Trail Blazers during his time with the team. His passing ability, soft touch, and basketball IQ made him a valuable asset to the franchise. However, Sabonis confided that he was pondering leaving Portland after that devastating first-round loss to the Lakers.

" I've gotten used to being in Portland and would like to stay there, but I don't know how things will turn out," the Lithuanian said.

True to form, Sabonis decided to retire in the summer of '01. However, he didn't say Potland's lack of synergy and teamwork was the reason. Instead, "Sabas" said he wanted to spend more time with his family back home.

Portland got swept…again

With Sabonis out, the Trail Blazers faced the Lakers once again in the first round in 2002. Unsurprisingly, Portland also got swept once again.

The following season, Sabonis opted to return to the Trail Blazers. With Zach Randolph thriving, Portland made it to the postseason and faced the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. The Mavs took an early 3-0 lead, but Sabonis and the Blazers felt a glimmer of hope when they rallied to tie the series to 3-3.

Unfortunately, Dallas stole Game 7 and eliminated Portland. After that, it took the Trail Blazers 11 years to finally make it past the first round.

Sabonis finally decided enough was enough after the 2002-03 season. He retired for good in the summer, ending his seven-year NBA career.

Despite not being named an All-Star, Sabas was inducted into the prestigious Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011. It was a shame that Sabonis was already past his prime when he got the chance to play in the NBA, but for the Rip City faithful, Sabas was a true legend.

Related: Arvydas Sabonis on why his children were the reason he joined the NBA: "I had to do it"