Damian Lillard’s Lakers Comments Resurface After Bucks News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 7:25 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks spiced up the 2025 NBA Offseason when they waived and stretched Damian Lillard's contract to make room to sign Myles Turner. Doing so means they'll pay Lillard $22 million annually for the next five years to not play for them.

Lillard is recovering from an Achilles tear, which casts doubt on his availability for the entire 2025-26 season. However, despite Lillard potentially missing the season, there are already interested suitors in his services. The Athletic's Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Joe Vardon reported that three teams have already called about Lillard.

"Not surprisingly, league sources say Lillard received calls from several contending teams quickly after the news of his Bucks’ ending broke," they wrote. "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."

In light of the Lakers' interest in Lillard, a 2017 tweet from the nine-time star has resurfaced. In it, he listed the Lakers among the teams he'd join if Portland got rid of him.

"If blazers said they didn't want me... Utah Jazz or Lakers," he responded to a fan over eight years ago.

The X account Lakers All Day Everyday reposted this tweet from Lillard after it was confirmed that the Lakers had interest in bringing him in. Lillard's previous interest in joining Los Angeles may stem from his roots in Oakland, California.

https://t.co/2WDPCvwCGn pic.twitter.com/GyKZ2sfiw0
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 2, 2025

When Lillard originally requested a trade from Portland in 2023, his preference was to join the Miami Heat before they sent him to Milwaukee. The only way to know what he wants this time will be to see who he picks when he clears waivers.

As for Lakers fans, many hope Lillard's 2017 comments are indicative of how he may feel in 2025.

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

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