Stephen A. Smith reports Damian Lillard is 'unhappy' in Milwaukee

Published April 16, 2024 at 5:55 PM
BY KEVIN BARREAU

Stephen A. Smith suggested that Damian Lillard's time in Milwaukee could be short-lived, potentially lasting only one season. He made these comments during an episode of ESPN's "First Take" with Shannon Sharpe, as the Bucks get set to battle the Pacers in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs.

''If Milwaukee loses, I think you need to consider moving Dame up and out of there,» Smith said.

Sharpe protested, «But he just got there!''

''I'm not talking about his game. He's not happy there,'' Smith responded.

The Bucks clinched the Central Division but ended up as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference after a late-season slump. They're set to take on the No. 6 seed Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs, potentially starting without the injured star forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Last season, Lillard had sought a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, aiming for a move to the Miami Heat but ultimately landed with the Bucks. At the time, he expressed happiness about his relocation to Milwaukee.

Despite Stephen A. Smith's views, Lillard has recently hinted that he and Antetokounmpo are beginning to gel on the court.

''He's got a lot of distractions, which are his business, and we wish him nothing but the best, because a lot of us would not be able to handle it as well as he's handling it. [...] But nevertheless, whatever support system you're looking for It's one of those situations where if you are not happy in a situation, albeit because of outside reasons, and I know he wanted to go to Miami, let's call it what it is, you got all of that going on, that's a lot to deal with.''

Smith did not claim to have insider information to support his opinion.

Earlier this season, Lillard shared with Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix that moving to Milwaukee had been personally challenging for him, as many of his friends and family, including his children, remain in Portland.

''It's definitely lonely because I'm such a family guy,'' Lillard said at the time. ''My life is my family. After games, I would come out and my whole family would be back there. My kids coming out of the playroom. My mom, my brother, my cousins lived there, you know what I mean?''

Source Hoopswire : Damian Lillard Not Happy With Bucks?
Source New York Post : Damian Lillard �not happy' in Milwaukee: Stephen A. Smith

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April 16 \| 16 answers Stephen A. Smith reports Damian Lillard is 'unhappy' in Milwaukee Is Damian Lillard already planning his exit from Milwaukee?
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