The Milwaukee Bucks star has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his right calf and is out indefinitely, the team announced on Tuesday.
Lillard is on blood-thinning medication that has since stabilized the blood clot while he undergoes continual testing.
The Bucks have not identified a timeline for the guard’s return as they are focused on “ensuring (Lillard’s) health and beginning the process for a healthy return to play,” as noted in a statement by the team.
“Damian’s health is our No. 1 priority,” said Bucks general manager Jon Horst. “We will support him as he moves through this weekly process of strict criteria to ensure that it is safe for him to return to play. Doctors have indicated that his situation is very unlikely to occur again. We are thankful that this was identified and medicated quickly, which helps with the recovery.”
Entering Tuesday, Lillard had already missed three consecutive contests while the Bucks were in the midst of a five-game road trip, and had been ruled out for Wednesday’s matchup against the Nuggets in Denver with what the team originally called a right calf strain.
The nine-time all-star posted averages of 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.2 steals through 58 appearances this season.
His absence will be a tough blow for the 41-30 Bucks, who are jockeying for playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee is fifth in the East, two games behind the Indiana Pacers and a chance at home-court in the first round, and just half a game ahead of the Detroit Pistons for sixth.
Lillard leads the Bucks roster for average minutes (36.1), three-point makes (3.4), assists and steals, while ranking second in scoring, only behind running-mate Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The 34-year-old made a statement, per NBA insider Chris Haynes, saying, “it’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up. Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety. As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family.
“I’m grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this. They’ve been supportive and proactive throughout this process. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career.”
Lillard is the second high-profile player to be sidelined this season because of DVT.
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs was diagnosed with it in his shoulder after he returned from the All-Star Game last month and was quickly ruled out for the season. He, like Lillard, is on blood-thinning medication, but doctors have assured the Spurs that there is no concern for Wembanyama’s long-term health.
Such cases have affected NBA players before, including Hall of Famer Chris Bosh — whose career was cut short after he was diagnosed with blood clots while playing with Miami. Brandon Ingram, now with the Toronto Raptors, had his 2018-19 season end early because of deep vein thrombosis when he was with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson had a clot issue that saw him miss the end of the 2023-24 season.
DVT typically develops in the lower leg, so the diagnosis of it in Lillard’s calf is not uncommon.
— with files from the Associated Press
