Damian Lillard Says it Was 'Luxury' to Play with Giannis, Discusses Bucks Tenure

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard said it was a "luxury" to play with Giannis Antetokounmpo during an interview with Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reflecting on his two years with the Milwaukee Bucks.

"I thought it was a great experience, man," Lillard began when speaking about his time playing with the two-time NBA MVP.

"It was a great experience. I think more than anything just the luxury of playing with a player as great as him. And having those nights where I can show up and he’s gonna carry a lot of the load and he might be feeling it that night and we can win a game with me scoring 12 points. So just the luxury of having him on your team was a special thing. And also going into games and knowing like, no matter what happens I’m playing with a dude where we can combine and beat anybody. As a tandem, we can go out here and we can actually; how people say 'man, one person can’t beat a team,' like, 'he ain’t gonna beat you by himself,' or you might be able to beat a team on a back-to-back at home or have a big game and they just can’t stop you, I’ve done that plenty of times."

Lillard joined the Bucks via trade in Sept. 2023 after 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers, where he starred and made seven All-NBA teams.

Over two years with Milwaukee, Lillard averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He made the All-Star team both seasons.

Antetokounmpo was exceptional as usual both seasons as well with Lillard by his side, posting 30.4 points, 11.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists while making the All-NBA First Team each year.

Great team success didn't follow suit, as the Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs both seasons.

Still, the Giannis-Lillard combo was a great duo, even if it didn't lead to a deep playoff run or a championship. Lillard expanded more on his thoughts.

"But as a tandem with him, I felt like we can go and win it all with the two of us. We can just go on a run and just dominate. I’m not sure I’ll ever have that experience again. But it was great playing with him. It was truly a pleasure and a luxury to play with a guy that dominant and also a guy who cares that much. I think that was something I really appreciated. I’m a guy who cares, even when I’m mad, even when I’m not doing well, I care about the team doing well and I put everything I can into that – how I take care of my body, how I train and prepare. I do everything I can to position myself and the team to do well and he’s a guy that does all of those things with the same edge and worry. That was something I really appreciated, too."

Unfortunately, injuries and ailments played a major toll, especially in the second season. Lillard missed 25 in his second year, while Antetokounmpo sat for 15. Lillard ultimately suffered a torn Achilles in the 2025 playoffs, ending his season. After the year ended, the Bucks waived Lillard, who then signed a three-year, $42 million deal to head back home to Portland.

It was a worthy experiment to try out in Milwaukee, who flashed its potential en route to winning the NBA Cup last December. Championship success didn't follow, but it's clear Lillard leaves Milwaukee with his head held high and great things to say about his co-pilot.