Damian Lillard’s first year with the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t go as planned.
While he made it to the playoffs, as expected, the Bucks fired their head coach midway through the season and Lillard could never seem to get on the same page as Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In addition, Lillard made several comments that made it clear that he wasn’t particularly enjoying his life in Milwaukee.
Because of that, a narrative developed that Lillard pretty much hated his life as a member of the Bucks.
“I saw somebody say, ‘Dame’s not happy in Milwaukee.’ I know the truth. I love the situation that I’m in. I also know what I have going on outside of basketball that kinda drains me at times,” said Lillard.
Dame: “I saw somebody say “Dame’s not happy in Milwaukee” or something like that. And i know the truth. I love the situation that I’m in. I also know what i have going on outside of basketball that kinda drains me at times.” https://t.co/759UZ3JLzR pic.twitter.com/2G8gUARPwP
— Bucks Breakdown (@Bucks_Breakdown) April 19, 2024
NBA Reporter Taylor Rooks Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction https://t.co/4o2BTf36j9
— Game 7 (@game7__) April 14, 2024
The outside of basketball reference there, obviously, is to Lillard’s extremely messy divorce from his longtime partner.
That said, Lillard emphasized that he wasn’t taking the outside noise to heart.
“People are gonna make comments. People are gonna say things,” Lillard continued.
“It’s important to let (people) say whatever they’e gonna say, positive or negative, and just do what you gotta do.”
For all the hardships, if Lillard and the Bucks enjoy playoff success this season – all the bad stuff will be forgotten.
Can Lillard shock the world and lead Milwaukee deep into the postseason in 2024? Time will tell.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
