Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard, born July 15, 1990, in Oakland, California, is an American professional basketball player widely recognized as one of the NBA’s most dynamic and prolific scorers[1]. He played college basketball at Weber State University, where he became one of the program’s all-time greats, finishing second in career scoring, first in three-pointers made, and earning two-time Big Sky Conference MVP honors before entering the 2012 NBA Draft after his junior year[2]. The Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the sixth overall pick in that draft[1]. Lillard quickly established himself as a star in the NBA. As a rookie, he started all 82 games, led all first-year players in scoring, and was named the unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year—the fourth player ever to receive every first-place vote[3]. He became known for his clutch shooting, leadership, and durability, earning multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honors during his tenure with Portland. Lillard holds several franchise records for the Trail Blazers and is celebrated for iconic playoff performances, including a series-clinching buzzer-beater against the Houston Rockets in 2014[1]. In September 2023, Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a major shift in his career after over a decade with Portland[1]. However, his time in Milwaukee was interrupted by injury: in April 2025, he suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, a significant setback for any athlete[1]. Following his injury and subsequent recovery, the Bucks waived Lillard in July 2025, after which he returned to the Trail Blazers, rejoining the franchise where he had become a legend[1]. Beyond his on-court achievements, Lillard is active in community work, having won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2019 for his contributions off the court[6]. As of October 2025, Lillard’s career is at a crossroads as he recovers from injury and resumes his role with Portland, maintaining relevance both as a veteran leader and a symbol of resilience in professional sports[1]. His journey from Oakland to Weber State to NBA stardom—marked by scoring prowess, loyalty, and comeback narratives—cements his place as one of his generation’s most compelling figures in basketball[1][2][3].