Lakers Floated As Possible Fit For Damian Lillard

The Milwaukee Bucks made one of the offseason’s more surprising moves by waiving star guard Damian Lillard shortly after free agency opened. Lillard, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, is expected to miss most if not all of the 2025-26 season.

That hasn’t stopped speculation about his next destination.

One idea floated recently connected Lillard to the Los Angeles Lakers. In a piece for BetUS, writer Jonathan Adams listed the Lakers as a possible fit, citing the chance to pair Lillard with LeBron James and Luka Doncic in what would be one of the league’s more explosive star trios.

“With LeBron James seemingly trying to get out of his marriage with the Lakers, the addition of Lillard could help King James renew his Hollywood vows,” Adams wrote. “James attempted to recruit Lillard to leave Portland in 2021. Lillard, James, and Luka Doncic on one team is sure to make NBA news.”

There has been no official indication that the Lakers are pursuing Lillard, but the idea of signing him to a long-term deal and allowing him to rehab at his own pace could be appealing. Lillard could serve as injury insurance or a transition piece in 2026-27 if James moves on.

Lillard averaged 24.6 points and 7.0 assists over two seasons in Milwaukee and was named an All-Star both years. The Bucks waived him and stretched the remainder of his contract to create space for the signing of former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.

In addition to the Lakers, Lillard has also been loosely connected to the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and other contending teams. His rehab timeline will likely determine how aggressive teams become in the months ahead.

For now, he remains a high-profile free agent with uncertain availability and plenty of name recognition.