Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has been officially diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon after undergoing an MRI, the team confirmed.
The injury was initially feared during Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series, when Lillard went down without contact early in the first quarter.
Preliminary assessments in the locker room suggested a serious Achilles injury, which the MRI has now officially confirmed.
Lillard’s setback is particularly devastating given his recent health battles. He had only just returned to action after dealing with a case of deep vein thrombosis earlier this year.
Additionally, during the 2023-24 season, the player had struggled with Achilles-related issues that caused him to miss the conclusion of Milwaukee’s previous playoff run.
Despite the health challenges, Lillard delivered a strong 2024-25 season, averaging 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game.
Looking ahead, Lillard holds a player option for the 2026-27 season, with his current contract scheduled to expire in 2027.
He was also expected to become eligible for a contract extension with the Bucks this offseason, but this injury could complicate those discussions.
An Achilles tear typically requires a recovery period of at least 12 months.
History shows, however, that players such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson have successfully returned from the same injury while in their 30s, offering a measure of optimism for Lillard’s eventual comeback.
Still, the road to recovery is long and challenging, and the Bucks – along with Lillard – now face an uncertain and critical stretch as they plan for the future.
Damian Lillard Diagnosed With Torn Left Achilles Tendon https://t.co/kI9IMEhiZp
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 28, 2025
