Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard described playing alongside Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo as a “luxury” during a recent interview with Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reflecting on his two seasons with the Bucks, Lillard highlighted the unique experience of teaming up with one of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA’s greatest players despite the team’s early playoff exits.
Damian Lillard Reflects on His Time Playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Lillard joined the Milwaukee Bucks through a trade in September 2023 after spending 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he earned seven All-NBA team selections. Over his two years in Milwaukee, he averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game while making the All-Star team each season. Meanwhile, Giannis continued his dominant play, averaging 30.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, earning All-NBA First Team honors both years.
Despite strong individual performances from both stars, the Bucks faced disappointing outcomes in the playoffs, bowing out in the first round during both seasons. Nonetheless, Lillard viewed his partnership with Giannis as a rare and valuable experience.
I thought it was a great experience, man,
Lillard began, showing his appreciation for the opportunity.
It was a great experience. I think more than anything just the luxury of playing with a player as great as him. And having those nights where I can show up and he’s gonna carry a lot of the load and he might be feeling it that night and we can win a game with me scoring 12 points. So just the luxury of having him on your team was a special thing. And also going into games and knowing like, no matter what happens I’m playing with a dude where we can combine and beat anybody. As a tandem, we can go out here and we can actually; how people say ‘man, one person can’t beat a team,’ like, ‘he ain’t gonna beat you by himself,’ or you might be able to beat a team on a back-to-back at home or have a big game and they just can’t stop you, I’ve done that plenty of times.
—Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers guard
Challenges Amid High Expectations and Injuries
Lillard emphasized how the duo had the potential to dominate the league, sharing his belief that together they could mount a championship run. However, injuries hampered their progress, especially during the second season when Lillard missed 25 games and Giannis was sidelined for 15. Lillard’s 2025 playoff campaign ended prematurely due to a torn Achilles tendon.
But as a tandem with him, I felt like we can go and win it all with the two of us. We can just go on a run and just dominate. I’m not sure I’ll ever have that experience again. But it was great playing with him. It was truly a pleasure and a luxury to play with a guy that dominant and also a guy who cares that much. I think that was something I really appreciated. I’m a guy who cares, even when I’m mad, even when I’m not doing well, I care about the team doing well and I put everything I can into that – how I take care of my body, how I train and prepare. I do everything I can to position myself and the team to do well and he’s a guy that does all of those things with the same edge and worry. That was something I really appreciated, too.
—Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers guard
Following the season, the Bucks waived Lillard, who then signed a three-year, $42 million contract to return to Portland. Despite the setbacks, Lillard remains proud of what the Bucks showed as a team and the chemistry he shared with Giannis.
The Enduring Impact of the Giannis-Lillard Partnership
While the Bucks failed to translate their star power into a deep playoff run or a championship, the partnership between Lillard and Giannis will be remembered as a powerful duo that showcased exceptional talent and competitive spirit. Milwaukee did achieve success by winning the NBA Cup in December prior to Lillard’s arrival, illustrating the team‘s championship aspirations.
For Lillard, the experience of playing alongside an MVP-caliber player like Giannis was not only a professional milestone but also a personal highlight. His comments convey a sense of respect and admiration for Giannis’s skill and dedication, reflecting a bond formed through basketball and shared goals.
This chapter in Lillard’s career underscores both the challenges and luxuries of competing at the highest level, leaving fans and analysts curious about the future dynamics of Milwaukee and Portland. With Lillard back in Portland, the NBA landscape anticipates his next move and how his experience with Giannis will influence his play and leadership going forward.