Career Timeline of Damian Lillard: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Damian Lillard made an impact.

Damian Lillard, nicknamed "Dame Time", is a prominent American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers. He also serves as the general manager of the Weber State Wildcats men's basketball program. A former Weber State player and 2012 All-American, Lillard was drafted sixth overall by Portland in 2012 and named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2013. He is a nine-time NBA All-Star, a seven-time All-NBA Team selection and the Trail Blazers’ all-time leading scorer. He ranks among the NBA's all-time leaders in three-point field goals made.

Sections (4)

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

1973: Career-High 51 Points Against Warriors

On February 19, 2016, Damian Lillard scored a career-high 51 points in a 137–105 win over the Golden State Warriors. He also 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 the 1973–74 season.

1981: Sweeping Rookie of the Month Honors

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

1984: Joining Unanimous Rookie of the Year Winners

In 2012, Damian Lillard claimed the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and joined Blake Griffin (2011), David Robinson (1990), and Ralph Sampson (1984) as the only unanimous winners.

1986: Joining Blazers with 1,500 Points and 500 Assists

In 2012, Damian 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, with the other being Clyde Drexler in 1986–87 and 1991–92.

1987: Fastest Trail Blazer to 1,500 Assists

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 in the 1987–88 season (215 games).

1990: Joining Unanimous Rookie of the Year Winners

In 2012, Damian Lillard claimed the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and joined Blake Griffin (2011), David Robinson (1990), and Ralph Sampson (1984) as the only unanimous winners.

1991: Joining Blazers with 1,500 Points and 500 Assists

1991: Scoring Streak Since Drexler

In February 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.

1991: First Blazer Since Drexler with 600 Points and 150 Assists

On December 12, 2015, in a loss to the New York Knicks, Lillard became the first Blazer since Clyde Drexler in 1991–92 to record 600 points and 150 assists during the team's first 25 games.

1995: Warriors Surpassing Bulls

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: First Buzzer-Beater Since Stockton

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

2000: Playoff Win Since 2000

In 2014, Damian Lillard's game winning shot lifted the Trail Blazers to their first playoff series win since 2000.

2010: Leading Big Sky in Scoring and Foot Injury

In the 2010–11 season, Damian Lillard led the Big Sky in scoring with 19.7 points per game before suffering a foot injury ten games into the season. This 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, Damian Lillard scored a college career-high 41 points against San Jose State, including a game-clinching three-point play to secure a 91–89 double-overtime win for Weber State.

2011: Joining Unanimous Rookie of the Year Winners

In 2012, Damian Lillard claimed the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and joined Blake Griffin (2011), David Robinson (1990), and Ralph Sampson (1984) as the only unanimous winners.

2012: NBA Draft Entry

In 2012, Damian Lillard decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NBA draft. He concluded his college career as the No. 2 scorer in Weber State history with 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 with the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft.

2012: Sponsorship Deal With Adidas

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

2012: Drafted by Portland Trail Blazers

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

2012: 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, becoming one of only eight players to reach that mark since he entered the league in 2012–13.

2013: Revived 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 Against San Antonio Spurs

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 in a rematch of the previous season's Semifinals playoff series.

2014: Playoff Series Win Against Houston Rockets

In 2014, Damian Lillard helped the Portland Trail Blazers achieve a 54–28 record and face the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. He led the Trail Blazers to their first playoff series win since 2000 with a buzzer-beating shot in Game 6, securing a 99–98 victory.

2014: New Contract with Adidas

In 2014, Damian Lillard negotiated a new contract with Adidas potentially worth $100 million over 10 years. Lillard has a signature shoe line with Adidas, the "Adidas Dame".

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

On January 5, 2015, Damian Lillard had a 39-point effort against the Los Angeles Lakers.

February 8, 2015: Selected as All-Star Replacement

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 18 Rebounds Against the Los Angeles Clippers

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

July 9, 2015: Signed $120 Million Contract Extension

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: Fastest to 600 Career Three-Pointers

On October 28, 2015, Damian Lillard recorded 21 points and 11 assists in a season-opening win against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 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 debut album The Letter O

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

October 25, 2016: 39 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in win over Utah Jazz

On October 25, 2016, Damian Lillard scored 39 points with 9 rebounds and 6 assists in a 113–104 win against the Utah Jazz. During the game, Lillard also passed Jim Paxson to become sixth on the Trail Blazers' franchise career list with 2,008 assists.

2016: 8th in MVP Race

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

April 3, 2017: 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. During March, Lillard averaged 29.1 points, 6.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.44 steals in 16 games leading the Trail Blazers to an NBA-best 13–3 record.

October 6, 2017: Release of second album Confirmed

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

October 28, 2017: Reached 9,000-point milestone

On October 28, 2017, Damian Lillard reached the 9,000-point milestone during the third quarter in a 114–107 win over the Phoenix Suns. He became the fastest Blazer to reach this milestone in 402 games.

2017: Sponsorship Deal With Powerade

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

October 18, 2018: 28 points in win over Los Angeles Lakers

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

2018: First Blazer to have 2,000 points and 500 assists

In April 2018, Damian Lillard became the first Trail Blazer to have 2,000 points and 500 assists in the same season.

August 9, 2019: Release of third album 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: Recorded career-high 60 points

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

2019: Endorsement Deal With Hulu

In 2019, Damian Lillard 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.

January 20, 2020: Scored 61 points in win versus Golden State Warriors

On January 20, 2020, Damian Lillard surpassed his previous career high by scoring 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 NBA 2K21 Cover Athlete

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

September 2020: Release of "Kobe"

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

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2020: 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: Summer Olympics

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

2020: Teammate of Cousin Keljin Blevins

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

January 30, 2021: Season-High 44 Points and Game-Winning Shot

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: 43 Points and Career-High 16 Assists

On February 17, 2021, Damian Lillard scored 43 points and tied a career-high 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.

November 20, 2021: Season-High 39 Points Against 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: 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 with an NBA playoff record 12 made three-pointers, and 10 assists. Despite Lillard's efforts, the Nuggets won in double-overtime, leading to Portland's elimination in Game 6.

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 and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

January 12, 2023: Season-High 50 Points Against Cavaliers

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

September 27, 2023: Traded to 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: 39 Points

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

2023: Trade to Milwaukee Bucks

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

January 14, 2024: Game-Winning Shot and 2,500 Career Three-Pointers

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. He also became just the fifth player in NBA history to make at least 2,500 career three-pointers.

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

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

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November 2, 2024: 41 Points Against 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: NBA Cup Win and All-Star Game MVP

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

January 30, 2025: Named All-Star Reserve

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

July 6, 2025: Waived by Bucks

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

July 19, 2025: Signed with Trail Blazers

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

August 2, 2025: Named General Manager of Weber State Basketball

On August 2, 2025, with Damian 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

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

2026: Signed Two-Year Contract Extension

After the 2021-2022 season, Damian Lillard signed a two-year, $122 million extension, which would keep him under contract through the 2026–27 season.

2028: Blazers Receive Rights to Swap Draft Picks With Milwaukee

On September 27, 2023, as part of the trade of Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Blazers received the rights to swap first-round draft picks with Milwaukee in 2028.

2029: Blazers Receive Draft Pick

On September 27, 2023, as part of the trade of Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Blazers received a 2029 first-round draft pick.

2030: Blazers Receive Rights to Swap Draft Picks With Milwaukee

On September 27, 2023, as part of the trade of Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Blazers also received the rights to swap first-round draft picks with Milwaukee in 2030.