Lakers Miss Again: 9x All-Star Slips Away to Western Rival

The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason took another hit this week, as hopes of pairing Damian Lillard with LeBron James officially died. The nine-time All-Star guard, recently waived by the Milwaukee Bucks in a stunning cap-clearing move, won’t be heading to Hollywood. Instead, Lillard will return to the team where he became a franchise icon, agreeing to a three-year, $42 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers—complete with a player option and a no-trade clause.

The move ends a brief but real window where Lillard seemed like the kind of low-risk, high-reward swing the Lakers might take. As Bleacher Report’s Matt Geist noted on his podcast, Lillard “would probably have the most exciting offense in the league” if paired with LA’s stars. There was even financial logic to it. With mid-level money available and newly signed Jake LaRavia added via exception, Geist believed L.A. had the flexibility to make it work.

Blazers Sign Damian Lillard, Lakers Still Remaining Quiet As Options Come Off The Board

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It wasn’t just about basketball. Lillard, a California native, was seen as a player who could help extend LeBron James’ title window while simultaneously giving the Lakers a post-James foundation. As Geist put it, “You go out and you do it, and you’re proving to LeBron, ‘Hey, we’re still all in trying to get you a ring before you retire.’” The idea of a comeback story—a returning LeBron alongside a recovering Dame—offered the kind of dramatic promise that only the Lakers could deliver.

But reality bit hard.

Lillard, who suffered a torn Achilles in the playoffs after an already injury-riddled 2024-25 season, likely won’t suit up next year. For a Lakers front office already grappling with LeBron’s own uncertain timeline, that risk proved too steep. And while contenders reportedly offered mid-level and minimum deals, it was Portland’s familiarity and commitment that won out. Lillard’s family remains in the area, and meetings with GM Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups sealed the reunion.

With Lillard gone and Bradley Beal choosing the Clippers over them, the Lakers are now left searching for what’s next—and with fewer answers than ever.

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