Damian Lillard Contract Would Be Low Risk, High Reward for Lakers amid NBA Rumors

While the center spot has been the obvious focus of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2025 NBA offseason, it's not the only position in need of an upgrade.

Perimeter defenders were a must-add even before L.A. lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets. Backup point guard was a less obvious need, but it also appeared on the wish list after Gabe Vincent managed to stay healthy this past season but still underwhelmed.

A fascinating solution to the last item on that list just appeared in truly jaw-dropping fashion. Damian Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, shockingly hit the open market when he was waived-and-stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks to make room for their Myles Turner addition.

While Lillard is still working his way back from a torn Achilles suffered in the postseason's opening round, multiple win-now teams have already reached out. The Lakers and their longtime rival Boston Celtics are among the teams hoping to add Lillard "sooner rather than later," per The Athletic's Eric Nehm, Sam Amick and Joe Vardon. ESPN's Marc J. Spears added that the Golden State Warriors have also expressed interest.

Lillard, per The Athletic crew, still must decide "whether he wants to sign with a team now and rehabilitate while under their care or wait until next summer to reassess the situation." The Lakers should do everything in their power to convince him that the former is the way to go.

To be clear, there is no guarantee Lillard even suits up next season. The mere possibility he does, though, should make this a no-brainer for the Lakers' brass.

While the overarching theme of his two-year tenure in Milwaukee was one of disappointment, that sort of just underscores the type of tremendous talent he is. How many other players can "disappoint" while putting up 24.6 points, 7.0 assists and 3.2 three-pointers per night?

Those are either max-contract numbers, or stats that would command a salary nearly that high under normal circumstances. Since this situation is as abnormal as they come, though, he might actually be available for just a minimal financial commitment.

The Bucks are on the hook for the remaining $112.5 million on his contract, minus any salary he's able to get from his next employer. That means he could sign a minimum deal and still get max-level compensation.

So, what would the Lakers have to lose by bringing him onboard, helping with his recovery and hoping he makes it back in time to contribute to a playoff run? Basically, nothing beyond their final roster spot.

What might they gain? Well, the recovery process is always tricky with an Achilles injury, but if Lillard gets back anywhere near full-strength, he offers dynamic scoring ability, floor-general leadership and some of the best clutch-shotmaking of his generation.

And remember, we're talking about a backup point guard on a team already featuring the combined creation abilities of Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. The offensive potential here is enormous, quite possibly great enough to offset any lingering defensive concerns (assuming L.A. eventually finds a suitable center to anchor the interior).

That's the glass-full outlook, obviously, but that's also kind of the point. The possible reward if everything breaks right with Lillard's recovery is incredible. And the risk is next to nothing.

Maybe this amounts to a lot. Maybe it amounts to nothing. Either way, L.A. has little to lose but so much to potentially gain by winning the unexpected Lillard sweepstakes.