Damian Lamonte Ollie “Dame” Lillard Sr., born on July 15, 1990, is an accomplished American professional basketball player currently contributing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Hailing from Oakland, California, he stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 195 pounds, playing as a dynamic point guard.
Lillard’s journey to basketball stardom began during his high school years. Starting at Arroyo High School, he transferred twice before landing at Oakland High School. During his junior and senior years, he showcased his skills, earning First Team All-League honors. His standout performances led the Oakland Wildcats to a 23–9 record in his senior campaign.
Despite being a two-star prospect, Lillard’s talents drew the attention of Weber State, where he played college basketball from 2008 to 2012. As a freshman, he averaged 11.5 points per game, securing the Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year and first-team All-Big Sky honors. Lillard’s sophomore year saw an impressive scoring increase to 19.9 points per game, leading the Wildcats to a conference championship.
In the 2010–11 season, a foot injury sidelined Lillard after ten games, prompting a medical redshirt. Returning as a redshirt junior, he dominated the court, averaging 24.5 points and earning his second Big Sky Player of the Year award. Declaring for the NBA draft, Lillard finished his college career as the No. 2 scorer in Weber State history.
Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, Lillard quickly made a significant impact. He was unanimously voted NBA Rookie of the Year, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. Throughout his time with the Trail Blazers (2012–2023), Lillard achieved numerous accolades, including seven NBA All-Star selections and being named to various All-NBA Teams.
Lillard’s performance reached new heights during the 2020 U.S. Olympic team’s triumph in Tokyo, where he secured a gold medal. In October 2021, he received an exceptional honor by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Transitioning to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, Lillard continues to showcase his prowess on the court. With a career spanning over a decade, he boasts impressive statistics, including a career-high scoring average of 32.2 points per game in the 2022–23 season.
Beyond basketball, Lillard is a multifaceted individual. Under the stage name Dame D.O.L.L.A., he has ventured into the world of hip-hop, releasing several albums, including “The Letter O” (2016), “Confirmed” (2017), “Big D.O.L.L.A.” (2019), and “Different On Levels The Lord Allowed” (2021). His musical journey reflects his diverse talents and interests.
Lillard, known for wearing jersey number 0, symbolizing his life journey from Oakland to Ogden and then Oregon, is a devout Christian. His left arm bears a tattoo of Psalms 37:1–3. Family plays a significant role in his life, with his sister LaNae, and brother Houston, who pursued a football career.
In addition to his on-court success, Lillard is committed to community engagement. He established the RESPECT Program to assist high school students in the Portland metro area with graduation. As a father, he welcomed his first child, Damian Jr., in March 2018, and in January 2021, twins, Kali and Kalii, joined his family.
Lillard’s professional endorsements include lucrative deals with Adidas, Powerade, Spalding, Panini, Foot Locker, JBL, Biofreeze, and Moda Health. His philanthropic efforts extend to organizing the Never Worry Picnic in Brookfield Park and co-owning Damian Lillard Toyota in Oregon.
With a remarkable NBA career, musical pursuits, and a commitment to community upliftment, Damian Lillard’s influence transcends the basketball court, making him a true icon in sports and entertainment.
