Damian Lillard, a name synonymous with clutch performances and unwavering leadership, has carved an indelible mark on the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Known as “Dame Time” for his ability to deliver under pressure, Lillard’s career is a testament to skill, dedication, and resilience.
From his humble beginnings in Oakland, California, to his current role with the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard’s story is one of continuous evolution and impact.
Lillard is an NBA Cup champion and an All-Star Game MVP. He has earned nine NBA All-Star selections, multiple All-NBA Team honors, and is recognized as one of the league’s top players.
His career is marked by record-breaking performances, clutch shots, and a deep commitment to his craft.
I. Early Life and High School Career
Humble Beginnings: Lillard’s Oakland Roots
Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr. was born on July 15, 1990, in Oakland, California. Growing up in a challenging environment, Lillard’s early life instilled in him a sense of perseverance and determination.
His roots in Oakland are a significant part of his identity, influencing his drive and his commitment to his community.
Despite the difficulties he faced, Lillard found an outlet in basketball, honing his skills and fueling his aspirations. Lillard’s high school career saw him play at Arroyo High School, St. Joseph Notre Dame, and Oakland High School. He wasn’t heavily recruited and was considered a two-star prospect.
The Path to College: Weber State
Despite his talent, Lillard was not heavily recruited by major college basketball programs. Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, was the first program to show real interest in him.
Lillard’s decision to join Weber State was driven partly by a desire to leave the violence of his Oakland neighborhood behind.
He also had offers from Wichita State, Saint Mary’s, and San Diego State, but he chose Weber State because he felt comfortable with the coaching staff and the program.
II. College Career
Dominance at Weber State
Lillard’s time at Weber State was nothing short of spectacular. As a freshman, he averaged 11.5 points per game and earned Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year honors. He was also named to the first-team All-Big Sky.
He elevated his game in his sophomore year, averaging 19.9 points per game and leading the Wildcats to the conference championship, earning him the Big Sky Player of the Year award and an honorable mention All-American nod from the Associated Press.
During the 2010-11 season, Lillard led the Big Sky in scoring with 19.7 points per game before suffering a foot injury that sidelined him for the rest of the year. He took a medical redshirt and returned stronger than ever.
As a redshirt junior, he averaged 24.5 points and finished second in the nation in scoring. On December 3, 2011, he scored a college career-high 41 points against San Jose State.
By the end of his college career, he had become a two-time Big Sky Player of the Year and a third-team All-American in 2012.
Lillard’s jersey number 1 was retired by the Weber State Wildcats, a testament to his lasting impact on the program.
III. NBA Career: Portland Trail Blazers (2012-2023)
2012-13: Drafted 6th overall by Portland, NBA debut with 23 points & 11 assists, NBA Rookie of the Year
2013-14: First All-Star selection, NBA All-Star Skills Challenge winner, participated in five All-Star Weekend events, first All-NBA Team selection
2014-15: Second All-Star selection, continued to establish himself as a franchise player
2015-16: Signed a five-year, $120 million extension, fastest Trail Blazer to 600 career three-pointers & 1,500 assists, career-high 51 points vs. Warriors
2016-17: Won the Magic Johnson Award, solidified leadership role
2017-18: Named to All-NBA First Team, joining Clyde Drexler & Terry Porter in franchise history
2018-19: Led Trail Blazers to Western Conference Finals, set franchise record with 10 three-pointers in a game
2019-20: Career-high 61-point game, averaged career-high 8.0 assists, named NBA Player of the Seeding Games in the NBA bubble
2020-21: Continued dominance, led Trail Blazers to another playoff appearance
2021-22: Sidelined due to abdominal injury, underwent surgery, missed playoffs
2022-23: Career-high 32.2 PPG, became Trail Blazers’ all-time leading scorer, eventually traded to Milwaukee Bucks
IV. NBA Career: Milwaukee Bucks (2023-Present)
- 2023: Traded to the Milwaukee Bucks
- October 26, 2023: Made Bucks debut, scoring 39 points
- December 19, 2023: Reached 20,000 career points, joining an elite group of NBA players
- 2023-24 Season:
- Won the inaugural NBA Cup championship
- Won the 2024 Three-Point Contest (also won in 2023)
- Named NBA All-Star Game MVP
- 2025 Season: Selected as an NBA All-Star, continuing his streak as one of the league’s top players
- Continues to make a significant impact with the Bucks and remains a dominant force in the NBA
V. Career Statistics and Achievements
Statistical Dominance
Damian Lillard’s career is backed by impressive statistics:
- Regular Season: He has played 842 games, averaging 25.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 43.8%.
- Play-In: In his single play-in game, he scored 31 points and had 10 assists.
- Playoffs: He has played in 65 playoff games, averaging 26.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game.
- He has also scored a career-high of 71 points in a single game, and set the Bucks playoff record with 35 points in the first half of a game.
Awards and Honors
Lillard’s awards and honors include:
- 9x NBA All-Star (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025).
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (2024).
- All-NBA First Team (2018).
- 4x All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021).
- 2x All-NBA Third Team (2014, 2023).
- NBA Player of the Seeding Games (2020).
- NBA Rookie of the Year (2013).
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013).
- 2x NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2023, 2024).
- J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2019).
- NBA Teammate of the Year (2021).
- 2x NBA Skills Challenge champion (2013, 2014).
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021).
- NBA Cup Champion (2024)
- Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2012).
- 2x Big Sky Player of the Year (2010, 2012).
- 3x First-team All-Big Sky (2009, 2010, 2012).
- Big Sky Freshman of the Year (2009).
VI. Personal Life
Family and Community Involvement
Damian Lillard is a devoted family man. He is the father of four children: Damian Jr, and twins, and a third son. He was married to Kay’la Hanson, but has since divorced. Beyond basketball, Lillard is deeply involved in his community.
He has made efforts to revive the “Never Worry Picnic” in his community, aiming to provide a safe and fun environment for children and families.
He also co-owns a Toyota dealership in McMinnville, Oregon, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Lillard is also known for his commitment to giving back, participating in various community programs and initiatives.
Music Career
Dame D.O.L.L.A.: The Rapper
Under the moniker Dame D.O.L.L.A. (Different On Levels the Lord Allows), Damian Lillard has established a significant presence in the hip-hop world.
His music career began as a way to connect with his cousin Eugene “Baby” Vasquez, who moved to Oakland from New York City in the early 1990s, and another cousin, Brookfield Duece, also heavily influenced him.
He began a social media trend called “Four Bar Friday”, where he and anyone who chose to participate, would upload a video of them rapping a small verse on Instagram every Friday.
Discography and Notable Singles
Lillard has released four studio albums:
- The Letter O (2016).
- Confirmed (2017).
- Big D.O.L.L.A. (2019).
- Different on Levels the Lord Allowed (2021).
His notable singles include:
- “Soldier in the Game” (2015).
- “Bigger Than Us” (2015).
- “Run It Up” (2017).
- “Kobe” (2020), a tribute to Kobe Bryant, which is part of the NBA 2K21 soundtrack.
- “Day 0” (2024), a collaboration with Hong Kong boy group Mirror.
Lillard also owns his own record label called Front Page Music, which includes his cousin, Brookfield Duece.
Filmography
Space Jam Appearance
Damian Lillard has also ventured into the world of film, appearing in Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) as himself and the voice of Chronos. This role demonstrates his versatility and his ability to connect with audiences beyond the basketball court.
Buzz Williams