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Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf, forcing him to step away from basketball indefinitely.

To address the condition, he has been placed on blood-thinning medication, and the issue has now been brought under control.

Despite this setback, there remains significant optimism that Lillard will be able to return to action before the end of the season, according to a source who spoke with The Athletic.

In his second season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard has been a key contributor, averaging 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game.

His last appearance on the court came on March 18th, during the Bucks’ loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Bucks General Manager Jon Horst emphasized that the organization is prioritizing Lillard’s well-being above all else.

“Damian’s health is our No. 1 priority,” Horst stated.

“We will support him as he navigates this process, following strict weekly medical criteria to ensure that he can safely return to play. Medical professionals have indicated that the likelihood of this issue recurring is very low. We are grateful that it was detected and treated swiftly, which has been instrumental in his recovery.”

The Bucks, who are projected to secure a fourth, fifth, or sixth seed in the Eastern Conference standings, have faced persistent challenges with injuries to key players.

Since winning the NBA championship in 2021, Milwaukee has yet to enter the playoffs with its full roster at full strength.