Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon and will undergo surgery, the team announced Monday.
An MRI revealed the severity of the injury, which will end Lillard’s season and puts his 2025-26 season in jeopardy because of the extended recovery timeline of the injury.
Lillard suffered the injury during Sunday night’s 129-103 Game 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers when he tried to keep an offensive rebound alive and went to knock the ball away from a Pacers player before crumpling to the court without contact.
Lillard had to be helped off the floor and into the locker room without putting any weight on his left leg. He exited the arena Sunday night in a walking boot and on crutches, and Bucks coach Doc Rivers said after the game that Lillard’s status was “not promising.”
Lillard acknowledged the injury by posting a message on social media on Monday.
“Appreciate all the prayers and well wishes,” the message read. “This one really hurt… HIS way not MY way. To Be Continued.”
Lillard played in 58 games in his second season in Milwaukee and appeared much more comfortable. He was more efficient on the court, averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 assists on 45% shooting (38% from 3).
Lillard, who will turn 35 in July, is owed $113 million over the next two seasons — a guaranteed year in 2025-26 with a player option for the 2026-27 season. In the two seasons since the Bucks acquired Lillard in a trade with Portland, he is averaging 24.6 points.
