Lakers Fans React Emotionally to Damian Lillard News

Lakers Fans React Emotionally to Damian Lillard News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

After the Milwaukee Bucks decided to waive Damian Lillard and stretch the remaining $113 million in his contract, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged as a potential landing spot for the nine-time All-Star.

The Lakers had one of the best odds to land Lillard (at +800), only behind the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers. Several Purple and Gold fans also supported the idea of the team potentially signing the nine-time All-Star, especially if it was at a low price.

However, Lillard decided to return to the Blazers instead, which raised confusion among NBA fans who thought he would want to join a contender.

A majority of the Lakers faithful, for their part, expressed disappointment that the team failed to sign the scoring star. Despite his age and injury, Lillard would have been a major addition for an L.A. team looking to contend in the next couple of years.

In 2024-25, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.2 steals as he made the All-Star team.

BREAKING: Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old. pic.twitter.com/mm1uUtMgO6

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 17, 2025

"It’s over," a sad fan said. Another one shared, "Screwed my lakers."

"Damn Bro," a disappointed commenter added. A Lakers fan page wrote with a crying emoji, "Not a Laker."

Other L.A. supporters tried to be supportive of Dame despite the Lakers missing out on him.

"Tried to tell y'all he was 'Loyal to the soil!' Would've loved him in the Lakers but I'ma always support BIG GAME DAME!" a fan page remarked.

A sixth follower stated, "Wanted the Lakers to get Damian Lillard, but this is absolutely the right move for him! Happy he gets to finish his career with the Blazers!!"

How many years does Damian Lillard have on his contract?

The Blazers reportedly agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with Lillard. The deal also includes a player option for the 2027-28 season and a no-trade clause.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Lillard will now have a "2025-26 set salary of $70M between his Portland and Milwaukee deals, and a salary of $141M over the next two years ahead of an opt-out in 2027."

That being said, it would have been difficult for the Lakers to sign him for a similar amount considering their salary cap situation. The team is just $908,000 under the first apron.

Related: LeBron James' Damian Lillard Comment Resurfaces After Lakers Report

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.