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Damian Lillard Gets Major Update After Season-Ending Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated May 2, 2025 9:17 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks closed the 2024-25 regular season with a 48-34 record, securing the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Unfortunately, their campaign ended abruptly when All‑Star guard Damian Lillard tore his left Achilles early in Game 4 of the first‑round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.

Just a few days later, the Pacers took Game 5, giving the Bucks their third consecutive first-round playoff loss.

On a more positive note, the team announced Friday that Lillard flew to Los Angeles and underwent successful surgery to repair the tendon.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache with consultation from Bucks orthopedic surgeon Dr. Carole Vetter, as reported by the Bucks on X.

Damian Lillard underwent successful surgery today to repair a torn left Achilles tendon.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, with consultation from Bucks orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Carole Vetter.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 3, 2025

Lillard, drafted No. 6 overall in 2012, immediately made his mark by earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2013.

Over the next decade, he developed into one of the league’s premier scorers, racking up nine All‑Star selections from 2014 to 2025.

In 2024-25, his first full season with Milwaukee, Lillard appeared in 58 regular‑season games and averaged 24.9 points (14th in the NBA), 7.1 assists (14th) and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from three.

A midseason absence due to a calf blood clot briefly halted his momentum, but he returned for the playoffs only to suffer the devastating Achilles tear.

Looking ahead, Lillard faces a grueling rehabilitation process typical of Achilles repairs, often ranging from nine to twelve months.

Now, the Bucks must decide whether to rebuild around Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose supermax contract further tightens the salary cap, or to pursue complementary pieces to remain competitive.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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