In a surprising turn of events just before the Fourth of July, nine-time NBA All-Star point guard Damian Lillard made headlines when he was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. This decision came as the Bucks signed center Myles Turner, leaving Lillard to send a bold message to potential suitors. "If they call it a ‘gamble’ at this stage… tell ’em this is the jackpot. ToBeContinued,” Lillard posted on X, hinting at his next career move.
According to a report from The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of three teams eager to sign Lillard, despite the fact that he is expected to miss the upcoming season while recovering from an Achilles injury. The report indicates that Lillard quickly received interest from several contending teams once the news of his waiver spread. Notably, the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Lakers are among the teams looking to secure a deal sooner rather than later.
Currently, the Lakers have a full roster of 15 players after Jaxson Hayes agreed to a one-year contract, joining key offseason acquisitions Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. However, the team has the flexibility to create a spot for Lillard by waiving Shake Milton, who has a non-guaranteed contract worth $3 million that the franchise must address by July 20. Additionally, the Lakers still possess a bi-annual exception to sign another free agent.
Following the Bucks' decision to waive him and stretch the remaining $113 million on his contract, Lillard reportedly felt “elated.” This newfound freedom allows him to choose his next team without the burden of financial constraints. He can sign for the minimum while still receiving the $113 million owed to him by the Bucks, distributed in equal payments of $22.5 million over five years.
NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed that Lillard is open to signing with a new team this offseason while he undergoes rehabilitation. However, he emphasized that this will only occur “under the right terms and conditions,” though the specifics of these terms remain undisclosed.
It's worth noting that the Bucks were not Lillard’s initial choice when he was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023. His preferred destination was the Miami Heat, primarily due to his connection with Jimmy Butler. However, with Butler now a member of the Warriors, the landscape has shifted. Should the Lakers manage to outmaneuver the Warriors and Celtics, integrating Lillard alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in their backcourt will be an intriguing challenge upon his return.
Before his injury, Lillard had an impressive season with the Bucks, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He also boasted shooting percentages of 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the three-point arc. Looking ahead, the Lakers could find themselves with a max salary slot after next season, particularly if LeBron James, who is currently on an expiring $52.6 million player option, is traded or chooses not to return.
