Damian Lillard admitted his divorce was a significant factor in his poor play in Milwaukee. In 2024, Lillard's move from Portland to Milwaukee proved challenging, both on and off the court.
What happened?
Lillard filed for divorce from his wife Kay'La Hanson in October 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple had been living separately since December 2022.
The divorce proceedings took a toll on Lillard, who had been with Kay'La for over a decade. He stated, "You carry it with you", referring to the emotional weight of the divorce.
Why it matters for Damian Lillard
Lillard's first season with the Bucks was uneven, with him averaging 24.3 points per game, his lowest since 2015-2016. He acknowledged that his personal life affected his performance, saying "I don't care about it more than I care about my kids".
Lillard's divorce was finalized in 2024, but the situation became more complicated when Kay'La subpoenaed a woman named Justie Wolf, requesting a paternity test to determine if Lillard was the father of Wolf's daughter.
What comes next?
Lillard is focused on moving forward, stating "You got to keep pushing forward". He recognizes that his personal life and basketball career are intertwined, but he is determined to succeed on the court.
On the court, Lillard will look to bounce back from a challenging season, working with his teammates, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, to achieve a championship. Off the court, Lillard will continue to navigate his personal life, prioritizing his children and well-being.
The 2023-2024 season was a difficult one for Lillard, but he is determined to learn from his experiences and come back stronger. With his focus on family and basketball, Lillard is ready to face the challenges ahead.