The Lakers are reportedly one of multiple teams that are interested in signing veteran nine-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard.

In a surprising move, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to waive nine-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard on Tuesday after he spent two seasons with them. He was supposed to reopen their championship window when they traded for him in September 2023, but they haven’t gotten past the first round of the playoffs since.

Lillard tore his Achilles in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and he is about to turn 35 years of age later this month. Nonetheless, there are reportedly several teams interested in signing him, and one of them is the Los Angeles Lakers.

Via The Athletic:

“Not surprisingly, league sources say Lillard received calls from several contending teams quickly after the news of his Bucks’ ending broke,” wrote Eric Nehm, Sam Amick and Joe Vardon. “League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are known to be among the many teams that would have interest in doing a deal sooner rather than later. The question is whether he wants to sign with a team now and rehabilitate while under their care or wait until next summer to reassess the situation.”

Lillard’s most productive days as a basketball player may be behind him. But he could perhaps be a solid bench player, at the very least, for a team that needs a little more offensive firepower.

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He could miss all or most of the 2025-26 season while he recovers from his injury, so one has to wonder if he will look to agree to a deal soon or possibly wait for a better situation to open up.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists a game and shot 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from 3-point range this past season for the Bucks.

In a surprising move, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to waive nine-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard on Tuesday after he spent two seasons with them. He was supposed to reopen their championship window when they traded for him in September 2023, but they haven’t gotten past the first round of the playoffs since.

Lillard tore his Achilles in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and he is about to turn 35 years of age later this month. Nonetheless, there are reportedly several teams interested in signing him, and one of them is the Los Angeles Lakers.

Via The Athletic:

“Not surprisingly, league sources say Lillard received calls from several contending teams quickly after the news of his Bucks’ ending broke,” wrote Eric Nehm, Sam Amick and Joe Vardon. “League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are known to be among the many teams that would have interest in doing a deal sooner rather than later. The question is whether he wants to sign with a team now and rehabilitate while under their care or wait until next summer to reassess the situation.”

Lillard’s most productive days as a basketball player may be behind him. But he could perhaps be a solid bench player, at the very least, for a team that needs a little more offensive firepower.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle

He could miss all or most of the 2025-26 season while he recovers from his injury, so one has to wonder if he will look to agree to a deal soon or possibly wait for a better situation to open up.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists a game and shot 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from 3-point range this past season for the Bucks.