Damian Lillard is still one of the best point guards in the NBA, even at age 34.
He will be entering his 13th season in the league (second season with the Milwaukee Bucks).
Last year, the 2024 NBA All-Star played in 73 games, averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 42.4% from the field and 35.4% from 3-point range. .
March 17, 2024. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) takes a shot in the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Required credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images / Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Bucks made a bold move by acquiring Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2023 offseason.
Lillard will be paid $48.8 million for the 2024-25 NBA season.
He has at least two more years left on his contract, including a $58.5 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
Therefore, the Bucks could end up owing the future Hall of Famer more than $160 million over the next three seasons (h/t Basketball Reference and Spotrac).
March 24, 2024. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (age 34) and guard Damian Lillard (age 0) during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Fiserv Forum. Required Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Lillard had a good year last season, but the Bucks had a very disappointing year.
They weren’t as dominant as expected during the regular season and were plagued by injuries in the NBA playoffs.
In the end, the Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round (out of six games).
April 26, 2024. Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) takes a shot that hits Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during Game 3 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. ) plays defense. Required Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Bucks will have a lot to prove throughout this season.
At Lillard’s age, he is nearing the end of the prime years of his career and will need to show he can help the Bucks make a deep run in the playoffs.
They begin the season on Oct. 23 by visiting Paul George of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia 76ers.
