Damian Lillard Sends Strong Message Amid Lakers Interest

Nine-time NBA All-Star point guard Damian Lillard sent a strong message to his potential suitors on the eve of the Fourth of July after he was stunningly waived by the Milwaukee Bucks to sign center Myles Turner.

“If they call it a ‘gamble’ at this stage… tell ’em this [is] the jackpot. #ToBeContinued,” Lillard posted on X.

The Los Angeles Lakers are among the three teams that would want to sign Lillard even if he is expected to miss next season while recovering from his Achilles injury, according to The Athletic.

“Not surprisingly, league sources say Lillard received calls from several contending teams quickly after the news of his Bucks’ ending broke. League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are known to be among the many teams that would have interest in doing a deal sooner rather than later,” per The Athletic report.

The Lakers currently have a full 15-man roster after Jaxson Hayes agreed to return on a one-year deal, joining Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia as the team’s key moves this offseason.

But the Lakers can create a roster spot for Lillard if they waive Shake Milton, who has a $3 million non-guaranteed contract that the team needs to decide by July 20. They still have the bi-annual exception to use to sign another free agent.

‘Dame Time’ in L.A.?

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported shortly after the Bucks decided to waive Lillard and stretch the remaining $113 million on his contract that the 34-year-old point guard was “elated” as it afforded him freedom to choose where he plays next without financial constraints.

Lillard can sign for the minimum and still earn the $113 million the Bucks owe him, albeit stretched in five years with equal $22.5 million payments.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Lillard is open to signing with a team this offseason while undergoing rehabilitation from his devastating injury, but it will only happen “under the right terms and conditions.”

Those terms and conditions were not disclosed.

The Bucks were not Lillard’s preferred destination when the Portland Trail Blazers traded him in 2023. It was the Miami Heat, primarily because of Jimmy Butler, Lillard told Fox Sports in 2023.

But Butler is already with the Warriors, a team Lillard grew up watching as an Oakland native.

If the Lakers can fend off the Warriors and the Celtics, it will be interesting how they will integrate Lillard next to Luka Doncic, a ball-dominant guard like him, and Austin Reaves in their backcourt once he returns.

New Wrinkle Added to Lakers Offseason Drama

Before his injury, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals for the Bucks this past season. He also shot 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from the 3-point line.

The Lakers will have a max slot after next season if James, who is on an expiring $52.6 million player option, gets traded or does not return.

James’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, told ESPN that they will closely monitor the Lakers’ offseason activities as the soon-to-be 41-year-old star wants to compete for a championship in the remaining years of his illustrious career.