Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Damian Lillard's Message After NBA's 3-Point Contest Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Feb 8, 2026 11:30 PM ET

Damian Lillard will have another crack at the 3-point contest, as the Portland Trail Blazers star has been named as one of the participants in next weekend’s NBA All-Star festivities. He won the contest in 2023 and 2024 and will take part in this edition despite having zero games to his name this season.

Lillard is joined by Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets), Norman Powell (Miami Heat), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks).

Defending champion Tyler Herro will not participate.

Lillard immediately turned to Instagram to confirm the announcement and gave fans a sneak peek at his preparations for the event.

Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard won the Three-Point Contest in 2023Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

“Dusting off the threads for a lil bump baby,” he wrote in the caption.

The post contains clips and photos of him wearing a Trail Blazers jersey, working on his shot in the gym, going through his rehab routine, and a photo from his 2024 3-Point Contest victory as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Lillard’s presence at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles is a good sign for many Trail Blazers fans, though it may be the only time he wears their jersey on an NBA floor this season.

The nine-time All-Star is expected to be out for the entire 2025–26 season as he continues to recover from the Achilles injury he suffered during the first round of the 2025 playoffs while playing for the Bucks.

He appears to be on track with his recovery. An Instagram post from two weeks ago shows him performing dribbling and shooting drills.

The Blazers still have a slight chance of making the playoffs, currently sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference standings.

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

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