Damian Lillard (Image Credit: Imagn)
Damian Lillard had impressive performances for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2024-25 NBA season. The Bucks finished the regular season in 5th place in the Eastern Conference standings, boasting a record of 48 wins and 34 losses. Unfortunately, in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Lillard tore his Achilles tendon in the first quarter while trying to secure a long rebound.

Without Lillard, the Bucks lost the series, ending with a 1-4 record. His injury raised major concerns about his availability for the 2025-26 NBA season. Recently, Lillard provided an intriguing update on his recovery from the Achilles injury.

“It can feel like you’re not having much growth and then, after a couple of weeks, it’ll be like, oh man, I’m walking comfortable,” Lillard said (via Duane Rankin).

On July 6, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that they had waived Lillard and opted to stretch the remaining $103 million on his contract. Shortly after, on July 19, the Portland Trail Blazers signed Lillard to a three-year, $42 million deal.

Damian Lillard Praises Devin Booker’s Loyalty

Devin Booker and Damian Lillard (Image Credit: Imagn)

During the interview with Duane Rankin, Lillard reflects on Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker’s contract extension. He praises Booker for his loyalty to the team.

“When I think of loyalty, I think of being true to who you are. It’s who you are, what you represent and how you see things. I think [Booker] represents that. I think he’s standing on his square about what he wants to accomplish. It’s not about what everybody else is doing, what he thinks is the right thing to the world or what they’re saying on TV. He’s standing on what he wants to do and who he is. I think that’s the most important thing,” Lillard said.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games in the 2024-25 NBA season.