Damian Lillard gives out free shoes, signs autographs in impromptu meet-up in Portland

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James Harden beat out finalists LeBron James and Anthony Davis for his first MVP after leading the league in scoring and guiding the Rockets to an NBA-best 65-17 record. USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazer star Damian Lillard wasn’t in Los Angeles for Monday night’s NBA Awards show. In fact, he wasn’t anywhere near a TV. 

Instead, Lillard sent a tweet in the middle of the broadcast calling for “All kids in Portland” to meet him at Irving Park for a free shoe giveaway. 

Needless to say, Blazers fans flocked there. 

Lillard, who finished the season fourth in MVP voting behind the three finalists James Harden, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, drove a U-Haul to the park and started passing out shoes just as he’d promised. 

And when the shoes ran out, Lillard started signing autographs instead. 

As Blazers beat writer Jason Quick pointed out, Lillard’s authenticity is genuine.

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James Harden accepts the Most Valuable Player award as his mother Monja Willis looks on at the NBA Awards.  Chris Pizzello, AP

Dikembe Mutombo poses for photos after winning the Sager Strong Award.  Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Charles Barkley at the NBA Awards.  Kevin Winter, Getty Images for Turner Sports

Travis Scott performs at the NBA Awards.  Chris Pizzello, AP

Kyle Kuzma introduces a performance by Travis Scott at the NBA Awards.  Chris Pizzello, AP

Candace Parker and Adam Devine pose in the press room at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Dwane Casey accepts the Coach of the Year award.  Chris Pizzello, AP

Lou Williams accepts the Sixth Man award at the NBA Awards.  Chris Pizzello, AP

Ken Jeong and Tyson Chandler speak onstage at the NBA Awards.  Kevin Winter, Getty Images for Turner Sports

Victor Oladipo accepts the Most Improved Player award at the NBA Awards.  Chris Pizzello, AP

Rudy Gobert accepts the Defensive Player of the Year award at the NBA Awards.  Chris Pizzello, AP

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Harden speak in the audience at the NBA Awards.  Chris Pizzello, AP

Kelly Rowland and DJ Khaled present the Rookie of the Year award to Ben Simmons.  Chris Pizzello, AP

Joel Embiid arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Host Anthony Anderson attends the NBA Awards.  Joe Scarnici, Getty Images for Turner Sports

DJ Khaled and Nicole Tuck arrive at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

P.J. Tucker arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Meek Mill arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

James Harden arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Karrueche Tran arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Nick Young arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Donovan Mitchell arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Von Miller attends the NBA Awards.  Joe Scarnici, Getty Images for Turner Sports

Terrell Owens arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Wale attends the NBA Awards.  Joe Scarnici, Getty Images for Turner Sports

Jeanie Buss, president of the Los Angeles Lakers, arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Clerenda McGrady and Tracy McGrady attend NBA Awards.  Joe Scarnici, Getty Images for Turner Sports

Bill Russell arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Kyle Kuzma of the Los Angeles Lakers arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Adam DeVine arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka'Oir attend the NBA Awards.  Joe Scarnici, Getty Images for Turner Sports

Shaquille O'Neal arrives at the NBA Awards.  Richard Shotwell, AP

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