Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard made headlines on the eve of the Fourth of July after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, clearing the path for his potential next destination. His release comes as a surprise move following the Bucks’ decision to sign center Myles Turner, and it has ignited significant rumors around Damian Lillard Lakers offseason interest.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly among the three teams eager to acquire Lillard despite his expected absence next season while recovering from an Achilles injury. The Athletic highlighted that Lillard continues to attract attention from top teams ready to pursue him immediately.
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.
Lakers’ Roster Situation and Potential Moves
Currently, the Lakers carry a full 15-man roster after re-signing Jaxson Hayes, joining Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia as key offseason additions. However, the team can create a roster spot for Lillard by waiving Shake Milton, whose $3 million non-guaranteed contract must be decided by July 20. Additionally, the Lakers plan to utilize their bi-annual exception to sign another free agent if needed.
This roster flexibility indicates the Lakers’ willingness to accommodate Lillard despite his injury status, reinforcing their commitment to strengthening the team amid ongoing offseason shifts.
Damian Lillard’s Perspective and Contract Outlook
Following the Bucks’ waiver, Damian Lillard expressed relief over newfound freedom in choosing his next team without financial constraints. At 34 years old, Lillard can sign a minimum contract while still earning the $113 million owed from his previous deal, which the Bucks have spread over five years in equal installments of $22.5 million.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Lillard remains open to joining a team during his rehabilitation, emphasizing it would happen only
under the right terms and conditions.
The specifics of these conditions remain undisclosed.
Lillard had made it clear previously that the Milwaukee Bucks were not his preferred destination after Portland traded him in 2023, with the Miami Heat—led by Jimmy Butler—being his initial choice, according to remarks he made to Fox Sports in 2023. But with Butler now part of the Golden State Warriors, a team Lillard grew up watching in Oakland, the landscape has shifted.
Implications for Lakers’ Backcourt and Future Composition
If the Lakers manage to outmaneuver the Warriors and Celtics in pursuing Lillard, integrating him alongside ball-dominant guard Luka Doncic and emerging star Austin Reaves will be a focal point. How these players adjust and share responsibilities in the backcourt will shape the Lakers’ tactical approach once Lillard returns.
Before his Achilles injury, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game with shooting percentages of 44.8% from the field and 37.6% beyond the arc last season for the Bucks.
Lakers’ Long-Term Outlook Amid Leadership Changes
The Lakers anticipate having a max salary slot available for the 2024-25 season if LeBron James, whose $52.6 million player option expires, is traded or opts not to return. LeBron’s agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul has stated that they will monitor offseason developments closely, as the 41-year-old superstar remains focused on competing for another championship in the final stages of his career.