The LA Lakers were named as the team that registered interest for Damian Lillard.
Damien Lillard’s spell with the Milwaukee Bucks is over. The franchise continues to pay him even after extending his contract, but he is abandoned by the team.
The move allowed the Bucks to sign center Miles Turner, coming after Lillard tore his Achilles in the playoffs.
He is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season, and despite this, the team is already asking him to sign as a free agent when he recovers.
Among the teams who have early interest in Damien Lillard, La Lakers has emerged as a competitor, according to Athletic.
As one of the greatest NBA players of the past decade, Damien Lillard has immense respect throughout the league.
One of the greatest ever, LeBron James, a huge admirer of Lillard, said the former Blazers star was talking to him in 2018 via NBA.com.
“If you’re a real basketball (heart), there aren’t many true basketball minds and people who understand the game. But for me, I understand that.”
He said he came to the Cleveland Cavaliers and said, “Give me Damian Lillard and I’ll show you how grateful he is.”
He joined Milwaukee until 2023 until Lillard finally traded from Portland, and with the exception of the 2024 NBA Cup, due to a largely unsuccessful tenure.
LeBron James’ clear praise for Damien Lillard is noteworthy and it is interesting to consider in relation to La Lakers’ interests.
Currently, LeBron James and Damian Lillard have different timelines. Lillard will be out in the 2025-26 season.
And now, LeBron James is urging the Lakers to build a competitive team now, as their contract is expected to expire in 2026.
The Lakers were able to sign Lillard for 2026-27, but were able to shake up LeBron’s thoughts and showed him that there’s something exciting about coming back then, no matter what happens next year.
However, despite his praise for Lillard, instead of building a team to win around him, LeBron can be frustrated as he is assigned to him for the future.