Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard took the opportunity on Friday to remind everyone that there’s more to his life than basketball.
Lillard’s inaugural season with the Bucks has been challenging. The team dismissed head coach Adrian Griffin in January and has struggled to find its form under new coach Doc Rivers.
Facing the playoffs without fellow star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is sidelined with a calf injury, Lillard has a daunting challenge ahead. Despite these difficulties, Lillard has addressed rumors about his dissatisfaction with his situation in Milwaukee.
“ I saw somebody say, ‘Dame’s not happy in Milwaukee.’ I know the truth. I love the situation that I’m in. I also know what I have going on outside of basketball that kinda drains me at times,” Lillard explained.
This season, Lillard has faced significant personal changes. He ended his 11-year tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers and filed for divorce from his college sweetheart, Kay’La, shortly after his trade to the Bucks.
Navigating life as a single father to three children, Lillard describes this period as the “hardest transition” of his life. Despite the turmoil, basketball appears to be a sanctuary for him, offering some relief rather than additional stress.