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Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks on March 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has spoken out since being sidelined indefinitely after a blood clot was discovered in his right calf.
The Bucks announced on Tuesday that Lillard, 34, was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, also known as a blood clot, and the team will keep him sidelined indefinitely as he recovers.
They also said he has been taking blood-thinning medication, which has stabilized the clot, and will undergo regular testing.
In a statement to Lillard's close friend and NBA Insider Chris Haynes, the Bucks star addressed the "unfortunate" reason he's unable to play and why he's "grateful" the organization acted quickly after the diagnosis.
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Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during a game on March 18, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
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"It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up," Lillard said in his statement. "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."
Lillard added that he's "grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this" and said the organization has been "supportive and proactive throughout this process."
"I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career," Lillard concluded.
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MarJon Beauchamp #3 and Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks pose for a photograph with Flavor Flav after the game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 29, 2023
Bucks general manager Jon Horst issued a statement regarding Lillard's diagnosis on Tuesday, saying that the athlete's health is their "No. 1 priority" at this time.
Related: College Freshman Beats Damian Lillard in All-Star Shooting Contest, Wins $100,000: 'So Surreal'
“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," Horst continued.
"We are thankful that this was identified and medicated quickly, which helps with the recovery.”
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NBA All-Star Damian Lillard on February 16, 2025
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Lillard has been playing with the Bucks since late 2023 after 11 seasons with the Portland Trailblazers.
In the same month, he was traded from Portland to Milwaukee in a blockbuster NBA trade, the California native filed for divorce from his ex-wife Kay'la Hanson. The college sweethearts married on Sept. 4, 2021, and share three children: son Damian Jr., 6, and twins, Kalii and Kali, 4.
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