Bucks' Lillard Tribute Sparks Fan Outrage

The Milwaukee Bucks surprised many by playing a tribute video for Damian Lillard prior to their recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers. This gesture sparked immediate confusion and criticism from fans, who questioned the reasoning behind honoring a player who spent only two seasons with the team and largely performed below his career averages. Lillard's tenure with the Bucks, which included 131 regular-season games, did not result in a championship repeat for the team.

During his time in Milwaukee, Lillard averaged 24.6 points per game but struggled with efficiency, shooting 43.4% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range. The Bucks failed to reach the later stages of the playoffs in both 2024 and 2025, exiting in the first round on both occasions. Lillard is currently recovering from an Achilles injury and is projected to miss the entire 2025-26 regular season.

Despite his injury, Lillard showed promising progress during pre-game warmups, taking jump shots and practicing off-the-dribble moves. He also shared a lighthearted moment with former teammates Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Lillard then watched from the sidelines as his Trail Blazers secured a 115-103 victory over the Bucks, with Jerami Grant leading the charge with 35 points.