Rumors have been circulating that Bucks star Damian Lillard is not happy in Milwaukee, but Dame himself has addressed them directly.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith recently suggested that if the Bucks do not win a championship, the team should consider trading Lillard because he is “not happy” and “miserable.”
“I saw someone say that ‘Dame is not happy in Milwaukee’ or something like that,” Lillard told reporters on Friday. “I know the truth.
“I love the situation I’m in. I also have personal challenges that can be draining at times. People will always make comments and say things, but they are not held accountable for their words.”
Lillard has acknowledged that he has been dealing with personal issues, such as relocating away from his home and children in Portland and going through a divorce after a long marriage.
However, Lillard has maintained his performance on the court, averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and seven assists per game, shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three-point range.
While his numbers are slightly lower than his stats in Portland last season, he now shares the court with other star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez.
There is added pressure on the Bucks, given their experienced roster, to perform well in the playoffs.
Despite the pressure, Lillard stated that he embraces these expectations.
“Throughout my career, I have always wanted the opportunity to win,” Lillard said. “I believed I had a chance to win. But being in this situation now, I am reminded of the opportunity in front of me since I was traded here.”
