Damian Lillard is spending time with daughter Kali and Tina Thompson while recovering from his left Achilles injury sustained in late April during a game against the Indiana Pacers. The nine-time All-Star, currently rehabbing after surgery, recently attended a Seattle Storm game with Kali and her godmother, WNBA legend Tina Thompson, highlighting a meaningful moment amid his recovery.
A Family Outing at Climate Pledge Arena
Lillard took his daughter Kali to Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena to watch the Storm face off against the Las Vegas Aces. The outing was especially significant as it gave Kali a chance to connect with her godmother, Tina Thompson, who spent her final two WNBA seasons playing with the Seattle Storm. Damian Lillard has been an admirer of the Storm for years, occasionally attending games during offseason breaks throughout his eleven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Before the game began, the crowd warmly honored Thompson when her image appeared on the arena screen. Lillard himself was greeted enthusiastically by fans, reflecting the strong ties he has developed to the Seattle sports community over the years. Kali sat alongside Thompson during the game, emphasizing the close bond between the two.
Damian Lillard’s Views on a Potential NBA Expansion in Seattle
The NBA has been discussing league expansion, with commissioner Adam Silver naming Seattle and Las Vegas as the most likely cities to receive new teams in the future. During the 2024 All-Star weekend, Silver acknowledged ongoing talks but held back detailed plans about the expansion.
In February 2024, Lillard shared his thoughts with Tim Booth about the possibility of an NBA return to Seattle. He expressed deep affection for the Northwest, recalling his years in Portland and recognizing Seattle as an ideal city for basketball.
“I just love the Northwest in general. Spent so much time in Portland, and being in Portland, sometimes shows don’t come through Portland, so you got to make that trip to Seattle. … That’s definitely a place, like, anybody who would get the opportunity to play in that city, they’ll be a lucky customer.”
—Damian Lillard, NBA Point Guard
Despite the uncertainty surrounding expansion, Lillard’s remarks clearly show his support for bringing a team back to Seattle, underscoring his appreciation for the city’s passionate fanbase and basketball culture.
Significance of the Visit and What Lies Ahead
This outing illustrates how Damian Lillard is blending personal moments with his ongoing rehabilitation, fostering family connections and community engagement even as he recovers. His presence at the Storm game alongside Kali and Thompson reflects not only their close family ties but also Lillard’s continued involvement in the Pacific Northwest sports scene.
With NBA expansion discussions advancing slowly, Lillard’s endorsement of Seattle highlights the potential for renewed professional basketball in the region. As he recovers and keeps his ties strong to Seattle, the prospect of future seasons played in this city remains an exciting possibility for both him and fans alike.