# Damian Lillard's darkest NBA day

> Damian Lillard reveals his career's darkest moment after a torn Achilles.
- Title: Damian Lillard's darkest NBA day · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: Damian Lillard reveals his career's darkest moment after a torn Achilles. Damian Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, says his darkest day was being waived by the…
- Keywords: damian lillard, nba, portland trail blazers, milwaukee bucks, akilah, playoffs, injury, waived, Damian, Lillard's, darkest, day
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nba/blazers-damian-lillard-reveals-darkest-day-of-his-nba-career-12601152
- Author: Aman Sharma
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: damian lillard, nba, portland trail blazers, milwaukee bucks, akilah, playoffs, injury, waived
## Damian Lillard's darkest day
Damian Lillard, 36, says his darkest day was being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after a torn Achilles in 2025.

> The darkest day was when I was hurt and got waived
## Injury and waiver timeline
Lillard ruptured his left Achilles in a playoff game on April 27, 2025, then was waived by Milwaukee in July 2025.
## Free agency decision
Lillard considered sitting out the year or auditioning for teams after two and a half weeks of free agency.
## Return to Portland
Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2025-2026 season.
## Key takeaway

Damian Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, says his darkest day was being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after a torn Achilles in 2025.