Damian Lillard Sends Strong Message to Bucks Teammate Amid Offseason
Damian Lillard Sends Strong Message to Bucks Teammate Amid Offseason originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
On April 27, during Game 4 of the first‐round series against the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks' All-Star guard Damian Lillard suffered a non‐contact left calf injury.
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An MRI the following day confirmed a torn Achilles tendon, ending his season and placing his 2025-26 availability in doubt.
With Lillard already out since late March due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, Milwaukee limped to a 4-1 series loss against Indiana, their second consecutive first‐round exit.
On Monday, roughly one month after Lillard's injury, Bucks forward Kyla Kuzma posted an Instagram video of himself slipping on boxing gloves with the caption, "Ding ding mf 😂😂😂 @damianlillard you next."
Lillard, who had begun posting recovery updates on his own account, reshared Kuzma's clip to his Instagram story alongside the message, 'When I'm healthy… I'm stopping you in the 5th… long torso = BHop vs De La Hoya 🤷🏽🦍🦍.'
Damian Lillard, InstagramDamian Lillard, Instagram
The Bucks entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations, with a core made up of Lillard, Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and 2021 Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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Adding even more firepower to the roster was Kuzma, who was acquired on February 6 in exchange for Middleton and draft assets.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) and forward Kyle Kuzma (18).Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Milwaukee's mix of established stars and role players led them to a 48-34 record, good for the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference.
However, despite a midseason surge, highlighted by winning the NBA Cup on December 17, 2024, injuries would ultimately derail their postseason hopes.
Now, the Bucks enter a pivotal offseason with question marks surrounding the future of all of their stars.
Related: Warriors Linked to Timberwolves Guard After Disappointing End to Season
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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