History of Damian Lillard in Timeline

Damian Lillard, nicknamed "Dame Time", is a prominent American professional basketball player currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA and also serves as the general manager of the Weber State Wildcats men's basketball program. He was drafted sixth overall by the Trail Blazers in 2012, earning Rookie of the Year honors in his first season. A nine-time NBA All-Star and seven-time All-NBA Team selection, Lillard is the Trail Blazers' all-time leading scorer. He is also ranked fourth on the NBA's all-time list of three-point field goals made.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1968: Elvin Hayes Leads in Total Minutes Played

In 2012, Damian Lillard became the first rookie to lead the NBA in total minutes played (3,167) since Elvin Hayes in 1968–69.

March 1971: Geoff Petrie's scoring record

Geoff Petrie had a record of 30.4 points in March 1971.

1973: First Player with 50 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals since steals became official statistic

On February 19, 2016, Damian Lillard became the first player in NBA history to have at least 50 points, seven assists, and six steals since the steal became an official statistic in 1973–74.

1978: First Rookie with 35 Points, 9 Assists, and Zero Turnovers

On March 8, 2012, Damian Lillard became the first NBA rookie to record 35 points, nine assists and zero turnovers in a game since turnovers became a stat in 1978–79 against the San Antonio Spurs.

1981: Western Conference Rookie of the Month

In 2012, Damian Lillard earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors for every month, becoming one of just eight players to sweep NBA Rookie of the Month honors since the inaugural award in 1981-82.

1984: Ralph Sampson Wins NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2012, Damian Lillard claimed the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and joined Ralph Sampson who won in 1984 as unanimous winners.

1986: Clyde Drexler Season Stats

In 2012, Damian Lillard joined Oscar Robertson and Allen Iverson as the only rookies in NBA history to tally in excess of 1,500 points and 500 assists for a season. Lillard became the fourth Trail Blazer in franchise history to win NBA Rookie of the Year honors and one of two to ever finish a season with at least 1,500 points and 500 assists (the other being Clyde Drexler in 1986–87 and 1991–92).

1987: Terry Porter Milestone

On October 28, 2015, Damian Lillard's 11 assists gave him 1,500 for his career, making him the fastest Trail Blazer to reach the milestone since Terry Porter (1987–88 season, 215 games).

July 15, 1990: Damian Lillard's Birth

On July 15, 1990, Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr. was born. He is now a professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Others born on this day/year

1990: David Robinson Wins NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2012, Damian Lillard claimed the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and joined David Robinson who won in 1990 as unanimous winners.

1991: Clyde Drexler Season Stats

1991: First Blazer to Score 30 points in Four Consecutive Games

On February 21, 2016, Damian Lillard scored 30 points against the Utah Jazz, becoming the first Blazer to score at least 30 points in four consecutive games since Drexler accomplished the feat in 1991.

1994: Most Assists by Rookie Since Jason Kidd

In the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 31, 2012, Damian Lillard recorded 23 points and 11 assists, with his 11 assists being the most by an NBA rookie in his first game since Jason Kidd (11) in 1994.

1995: Golden State Wins 73 Games

On February 19, 2016, Damian Lillard scored a career-high 51 points in a 137–105 win over the Golden State Warriors. This would be the fifth of just nine losses all season for Golden State, who eventually went on to win 73 games, surpassing the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls for the winningest regular season of all-time.

1997: John Stockton's Buzzer-Beating Shot

In 2014, Lillard became the first player to make a buzzer-beating shot to win a playoff series since Utah's John Stockton against Houston in 1997.

2000: Trail Blazers First Playoff Series Win

In 2014, Lillard's 3-pointer gave Portland a 99–98 victory over Houston, as he finished with 25 points to lift the Trail Blazers to their first playoff series win since 2000.

2004: Damon Stoudamire's 3-Point Record

In 2012, Damian Lillard became the Portland franchise leader for most 3-point field goals in a season, breaking Damon Stoudamire's record of 181 in 2004–05.

2009: Stephen Curry's 3-Point Record

In 2012, Damian Lillard broke the all-time NBA rookie record for 3-pointers in a season (185), surpassing Stephen Curry's 166 three-pointers in 2009–10.

2010: Leading Big Sky in Scoring and Foot Injury

In 2010-11, Damian Lillard led the Big Sky in scoring with 19.7 points per contest before suffering a foot injury ten games into the season. The injury forced him to take a medical redshirt and sidelined him for the rest of the year.

December 3, 2011: Career-High 41 Points Against San Jose State

On December 3, 2011, against San Jose State, Damian Lillard scored a college career-high 41 points, including a game-clinching three-point play to give Weber State a 91–89 double-overtime win.

2011: Blake Griffin Wins NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2012, Damian Lillard claimed the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and joined Blake Griffin who won in 2011 as unanimous winners.

2012: Entering the NBA Draft

In 2012, Damian Lillard decided to skip his senior season to enter the NBA draft. He finished his college career as the No. 2 scorer in Weber State history (1,934 points) and the No. 5 scorer in Big Sky history.

2012: All-American Honors and NBA Draft

In 2012, Damian Lillard earned third-team All-American honors while playing college basketball for Weber State. Later that year, he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft.

2012: Signed sponsorship deal with Adidas

In 2012, Damian Lillard signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Adidas.

2012: NBA Draft and Joining the Trail Blazers

In 2012, Damian Lillard was selected with the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.

2012: Hitting 2,000th NBA Field Goal

On January 18, 2015, in a win over the Washington Wizards, Damian Lillard hit his 2,000th NBA field goal, one of only eight players to reach that mark since he entered the league in 2012–13.

2013: Revived the Never Worry Picnic

In 2013, Damian Lillard revived the Never Worry Picnic in Brookfield Park after his standout rookie season. The East Oakland event was discontinued when he was at age 12.

December 19, 2014: Career-High 43 Points

On December 19, 2014, Damian Lillard scored a career-high 43 points in a 129–119 triple-overtime win over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs.

2014: Negotiated new contract with Adidas potentially worth $100 million over 10 years

In 2014, Damian Lillard negotiated a new contract with Adidas potentially worth $100 million over 10 years.

2014: NBA Playoffs First Round

In 2014, Portland finished fifth in the Western Conference and faced the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Lillard helped win game 1 with 31 points and 9 rebounds. Lillard's buzzer-beating 3-pointer in Game 6 gave Portland a 99–98 victory over Houston, to lift the Trail Blazers to their first playoff series win since 2000. At the season's end, Lillard was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

January 5, 2015: 39-Point Effort Against the Lakers

On January 5, 2015, Damian Lillard scored 39 points against the Los Angeles Lakers.

February 8, 2015: All-Star Game Selection

On February 8, 2015, Damian Lillard was selected as a replacement for the injured Blake Griffin in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game.

March 4, 2015: Career-High Rebounds

On March 4, 2015, Damian Lillard recorded a career-high 18 rebounds in a 98–93 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

May 2015: Completion of Degree in Professional Sales

In May 2015, Damian Lillard completed his degree in professional sales from Weber State University.

July 9, 2015: Signing Contract Extension with Trail Blazers

On July 9, 2015, Damian Lillard signed a five-year, $120 million contract extension with the Trail Blazers.

July 2015: Release of "Soldier in the Game"

In July 2015, Damian Lillard released his first full length single, "Soldier in the Game", via SoundCloud.

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October 28, 2015: Reaching 600 Career Three-Pointers

On October 28, 2015, Damian Lillard recorded 21 points and 11 assists in a season-opening win over the New Orleans Pelicans. His one three-pointer made during the game was his 600th career three-point field goal, making him the fastest NBA player in history to reach the mark at 247 games.

October 21, 2016: Release of 'The Letter O'

On October 21, 2016, Damian Lillard released his debut album The Letter O.

October 25, 2016: Lillard scores 39 points in season opener

On October 25, 2016, Damian Lillard scored 39 points with 9 rebounds and 6 assists in the Trail Blazers' 113-104 win over the Utah Jazz. With his first assist, Lillard surpassed Jim Paxson for sixth on the franchise's career list with 2,008 assists.

2016: 8th in MVP Race

In the 2016 MVP Race, Damian Lillard finished 8th in total points received, scoring 26 points out of a possible 1310 points.

April 3, 2017: Lillard named Western Conference Player of the Month

On April 3, 2017, Damian Lillard was named Western Conference Player of the Month for his performance in March. Lillard led the Trail Blazers to an NBA-best 13-3 record in March, averaging 29.1 points, 6.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.44 steals in 16 games, ranking third in NBA scoring and fourth in three-pointers made.

May 2, 2017: Lillard wins Magic Johnson Award

On May 2, 2017, Damian Lillard received the Magic Johnson Award for the 2016-17 season. This award honors the player who best combines excellence on the basketball court with cooperation and dignity in dealing with the media and the public.

October 6, 2017: Release of 'Confirmed'

On October 6, 2017, Damian Lillard released his second album Confirmed.

October 28, 2017: Lillard reaches 9,000 career points

On October 28, 2017, Damian Lillard achieved the 9,000-point milestone in a 114-107 win over the Phoenix Suns. Reaching this mark in 402 games, Lillard became the fastest Blazer to score 9,000 points.

2017: Signed sponsorship deal with Powerade

In 2017, Damian Lillard signed a sponsorship deal with Powerade, a subsidiary of the Coca-Cola Company.

March 29, 2018: Birth of son, Damian Jr.

On March 29, 2018, Damian Lillard had his first child, a son named Damian Jr.

October 18, 2018: Lillard scores 28 points in season opener

On October 18, 2018, Damian Lillard scored a game-high 28 points in the Trail Blazers' 128-119 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

2018: Lillard places 4th in MVP Race

In 2018, Damian Lillard placed 4th in the MVP race, winning 207 of the 1010 possible points.

2018: Lillard named Western Conference Player of the Week

In 2018, Damian Lillard was named Western Conference Player of the Week for the week ending March 31, marking the seventh weekly honor of his career and the first of the 2018-19 season.

August 9, 2019: Release of 'Big D.O.L.L.A.'

On August 9, 2019, Lillard released his third album, Big D.O.L.L.A., featuring guests Lil Wayne, Mozzy, and Jeremih.

November 8, 2019: Lillard scores a career-high 60 points

On November 8, 2019, Damian Lillard scored a then career-high 60 points in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets, 115–119.

2019: Signed contract with Hulu

In 2019, Damian Lillard also became one of a number of NBA players to sign a contract with Hulu to promote the streaming service's new campaign of adding live sports to their repertoire.

2019: Lillard places 6th in MVP race

In 2019, Damian Lillard placed 6th in the MVP race, receiving 69 of the 1,010 available points.

January 20, 2020: Lillard scores 61 points in overtime win

On January 20, 2020, Damian Lillard scored 61 points, along with 10 rebounds and 7 assists, in a 129–124 overtime win against the Golden State Warriors.

June 30, 2020: Selected as cover athlete for NBA 2K21

On June 30, 2020, Damian Lillard was selected to be the cover athlete for NBA 2K21.

September 2020: Release of "Kobe" and inclusion in NBA 2K21 soundtrack

In September 2020, Lillard's single "Kobe", featuring Snoop Dogg and Derrick Milano, was released and is part of the soundtrack for NBA 2K21 as a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant.

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2020: Became co-owner of Damian Lillard Toyota

In 2020, Damian Lillard, along with longtime friend and business partner Brian Sanders, became co-owner of a Toyota dealership, now known as Damian Lillard Toyota, in McMinnville, Oregon.

2020: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2021, Damian Lillard won a gold medal for the U.S. Olympic team in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

2020: Became a teammate of his cousin, Keljin Blevins

In the 2020–21 season, Damian Lillard became a teammate of his cousin, Keljin Blevins.

January 2021: Welcomed twins, Kali and Kalii

In January 2021, Damian Lillard and his fiancée Kay'La Hanson welcomed twins, a daughter named Kali and a son named Kalii.

January 30, 2021: Lillard scores season-high 44 points

On January 30, 2021, Damian Lillard scored a season-high 44 points, including a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, in a 123–122 win over the Chicago Bulls.

February 17, 2021: Lillard scores 43 points and ties career-high 16 assists

On February 17, 2021, Damian Lillard scored 43 points and tied a career-high with 16 assists in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans, becoming one of only 12 players in NBA history to have 40 points and 15 assists in a game.

September 2021: Married Kay'La Hanson

In September 2021, Damian Lillard married Kay'La Hanson.

November 20, 2021: Lillard scores season-high 39 points against Philadelphia 76ers

On November 20, 2021, Damian Lillard scored a season-high 39 points, along with 7 assists and 3 blocks, in a 118–111 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

2021: Lillard scores playoff career-high 55 points in Game 5

During Game 5 of the first round of the 2021 playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, Damian Lillard scored a playoff career-high 55 points, including an NBA playoff record 12 made three-pointers, and 10 assists, although the Nuggets won in double-overtime.

2021: Lillard unlikely to play again during 2021–22 season

In 2021, Blazers interim general manager Joe Cronin stated that Damian Lillard would "most likely" not play again during the 2021–22 season.

2021: Olympic Gold Medal and NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection

In 2021, Damian Lillard won a gold medal for the U.S. Olympic team in the 2020 Summer Olympics. That same year, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

January 13, 2022: Lillard undergoes abdominal surgery

On January 13, 2022, Damian Lillard underwent surgery for an abdominal injury and was ruled out for 6–8 weeks.

January 12, 2023: Lillard scores then season-high 50 points against Cleveland Cavaliers

On January 12, 2023, Damian Lillard scored a then season-high 50 points in a 119–113 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking his 15th career game with 50 or more points.

September 27, 2023: Lillard traded to the Milwaukee Bucks

On September 27, 2023, Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three-team trade.

October 26, 2023: Bucks debut

On October 26, 2023, Damian Lillard made his Bucks debut against the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 39 points, a franchise record for a debut.

2023: Traded to Milwaukee Bucks

In 2023, after a trade request, Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.

January 14, 2024: Lillard scores game-winning three-pointer

On January 14, 2024, Damian Lillard scored 29 points including a buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer and added eight assists in a 143–142 overtime win over the Sacramento Kings.

April 10, 2024: Featured in Mirror's single "Day 0"

On April 10, 2024, Lillard featured in Hong Kong boy group Mirror's single "Day 0".

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November 2, 2024: Lillard scores 41 points against Cleveland Cavaliers

On November 2, 2024, Damian Lillard had 41 points with nine assists and shot 10 of 15 from 3-point range in a 114–113 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2024: Ranking Fourth on NBA's All-Time Three-Point List

As of the end of the 2024-25 NBA season, Damian Lillard ranked fourth on the NBA's all-time list of three-point field goals made, with 2,804.

2024: Divorced Kay'La Hanson

By 2024, Damian Lillard and Hanson were divorced.

2024: All-Star MVP and NBA Cup Win

In his first season with Milwaukee, Damian Lillard was named the All-Star Game MVP and later won the NBA Cup in 2024.

January 30, 2025: Named as reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

On January 30, 2025, Damian Lillard was named as reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, his ninth selection.

July 6, 2025: Bucks waived Lillard

On July 6, 2025, the Bucks announced they had waived Lillard, stretching the remaining $103 million left on his deal.

July 19, 2025: Signed with the Trail Blazers

On July 19, 2025, the Trail Blazers signed Lillard to a three-year, $42 million deal, marking his return to the franchise after previously spending 11 seasons with the team.

August 2, 2025: Named general manager of Weber State

On August 2, 2025, with Lillard unlikely to play during the 2025–26 NBA season due to his recovery from his torn Achilles, he returned to his alma mater of Weber State, being introduced as the new general manager of the men's basketball program.

2025: Achilles Injury and Return to Trail Blazers

After suffering an Achilles injury during the 2025 playoffs, Damian Lillard was released by the Bucks after two seasons and subsequently rejoined the Trail Blazers on a three-year deal.

2025: Lillard suffers torn Achilles tendon

In 2025, during Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs, Damian Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon, ending his season.

February 14, 2026: Lillard won the Three-Point Contest at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game

On February 14, 2026, Lillard won the Three-Point Contest at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game despite not having played a game in the NBA all season, tying Larry Bird and Craig Hodges for the most Three-Point Contest titles in NBA history with three.