“I was affected” - Damian Lillard makes feelings known on emotional ride with kids post divorce
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard didn't have the best 2023-24 season following his trade to the 2021 champions after spending 11 years with the Portland Trail Blazers. In addition to the change of scenario, Lillard also went through a divorce which affected him.
After three years of marriage, Dame and Kay'la Hanson divorced. He struggled to get used to his new life and even admitted that he barely left his house since his family and friends were miles away.
During an interview with The Athletic published on Wednesday, Lillard revealed that it was hard to cope with all the changes, especially knowing that he didn't even have a space to welcome his kids.
"A big part of my life is my family, obviously my kids," Lillard said. "That's what means the most to me. So I was affected more by that than anything. But I was brought here to do a job and to show up. I did that to the best of my ability at that time. It just was tough. Everything was happening so fast for me last year.
"With parenting time, I couldn't get anything set up. I didn't even have a place to live for the first couple of months of the season. I was in a little apartment that they just had for me. I didn't get to get things organized in my life. ... But I think having a full summer and knowing what it is, I was able to kind of get everything set up to where this year could work for me much better than last year. I was able to get my s**t together."
Damian Lillard is still trying to win his first NBA championship, but he's made it clear that even if he doesn't win any, he'll have more things to be happy about in his life.
Damian Lillard details the inspiration he gets from being a dad
Talking about his motivations, Lillard said that his kids play a crucial role in his desire to improve. During an Oct. 3 interview with SLAM, he shared that there were times he took his kids to see his 6:30 a.m. workout session to teach them that he worked, and still works hard, to be where he is.
This season is intriguing for Lillard and the Bucks. They couldn't move past the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 playoffs and many eyes will be on them to see if Doc Rivers can lead him and Giannis Antetokounmpo to the promised land.