Doting dad Damian Lillard sends powerful message with kids after gracing magazine cover
Milwaukee Bucks All-Star guard Damian Lillard graced the cover of SLAM Magazine's 2024-25 NBA Preview issue No. 252 on Thursday, October 3. Lillard's cover had a tagline that read, "Y'all must have forgot," as the seven-time All-NBA point guard prepares for his second season with the Bucks.
Lillard caught up with SLAM for an exclusive interview for the issue, where he discussed building chemistry with the Milwaukee Bucks and how his family motivates him.
Damian Lillard took to Instagram to post some photos from the magazine, with him posing with his three kids.
SLAM's Instagram account also promoted Lillard on their official account, along with the release of shirts featuring Lillard's cover.
"Let SLAM 252 serve as a reminder that Damian Lillard will end up in the Hall of Fame one day. The deep threes, the game-winners, the consistency; Dame was named to the NBA's 75 Greatest Players because he's helped to change the way basketball is played."
Lillard and the Bucks had a disappointing first season together after Milwaukee went all-in to acquire Lillard and bolster their championship opportunity.
Damian Lillard discusses the motivation he gets from his kids
Damian Lillard was having fun with his kids being in attendance at the interview and the photoshoot. The star guard was asked to describe the motivation he gets from his three kids.
"I get a lot of motivation from being a dad," Lillard said. "There are mornings where I gotta workout at 6:30 and I'll get my kids up and bring them in here ... They'll sit over there while I work out because I want them to be able to see, like, this didn't come out of nowhere."
Lillard went on to describe that he wants his kids to understand the importance of hard work from a young age. He also described his motivation to be great because of his kids.
"And the motivation comes in where, if I'm being criticized, or if I'm struggling, or if something makes me uncomfortable, I think about my kids when I'm having to respond to those types of situations ... Whatever the situation is, I'll be the example for my kids and my nieces and nephews." Lillard closed his answer by stating, "I get a lot of motivation from the opportunities to show [how you represent yourself] even when it's a tough or a bad situation."
Damian Lillard will play in his 13th NBA season in 2024-25. The star guard averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game last season.