Damian Lillard has been sidelined from the court in recent weeks due to blood clot issues. In that context, the Milwaukee Bucks star sent a clear message about his retirement plans.

Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks waits for a free throw during a game against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum.
© Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesDamian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks waits for a free throw during a game against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum.

A few weeks ago, the Milwaukee Bucks received tough news when it was confirmed that Damian Lillard would be out due to blood clot issues—a condition similar to the one that ended the season for San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama.

Lately, updates on the guard have been more positive, and in that context, he delivered a clear message about his NBA future.

“I definitely don’t see myself as somebody who’s just hanging on,” Lillard said in a recent interview with Eye For The Game. He immediately made it clear he doesn’t see himself walking away anytime soon, even at 34 years old: “I know I’ll be able to play until I’m 39, 40. I could play and be a starter until that point.”

Damian broke down why he believes he’ll have no trouble continuing to thrive in the NBA for years to come. “I take care of myself. I don’t live a hard life. I prepare, I know how to get myself ready,” he said. “So, I could play.”

At the same time, the Bucks guard pointed to other players still performing at an elite level despite their age. “With the way the game is now, you’re starting to see players playing longer and longer.

CP (Chris Paul), Bron (LeBron James)—you’re starting to see them,” said Damian. “They might not be who they were at 26, no—but they’re still top-of-the-line players. Because they take care of themselves.”

Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard #0 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks walk to the bench during a game against the Chicago Bulls on October 14, 2024.

Lillard has other priorities beyond the NBA

In the same conversation, Damian Lillard made it clear that while he hopes to continue playing professional basketball for several more years, he also has other interests in life, and that’s why he won’t stay in the NBA longer than he feels he should. 

“I love my kids, I love my family, you know what I’m saying? And I don’t see myself as somebody who’s just hanging on to the game because of what it brings to me,” the guard explained.

“I love the game but there are other things that are more important in life and at some point you gotta let go,” Lillard said. “So I think it’ll happen and it’ll be on my terms.”

The Bucks await Lillard

Initially, the news of Lillard being out due to blood clot issues was a major setback for the Milwaukee Bucks’ postseason ambitions. However, the latest updates have been encouraging.

“Everything is still progressing positively. Last test was fantastic. So, you know, that’s about all I have. Fingers crossed,” coach Doc Rivers said last week.

Still, that doesn’t mean the guard will be immediately ready to return. On Sunday, the Bucks played their final regular season game against the Detroit Pistons, pulling off a 140–133 win. Naturally, some of the team’s key stars—like Giannis Antetokounmpo—did not suit up.

With their fifth seed locked in, they avoided the play-in tournament and will get a full week of rest before their first-round playoff matchup against the Indiana Pacers, who finished fourth in the Eastern Conference.