© Getty Images and AI-Generated Image by Grok | Damian Lillard, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic

NBA free agency for the 2025–26 season is showing no signs of slowing down, and out of nowhere, a name appeared that no one saw coming. Damian Lillard is now without a team—and a cryptic message has sparked hope for LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles tendon during Game 4 between the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. He underwent surgery on May 2, 2025, and is expected to return to the court around February 2026.

In a surprising move, the Bucks released Damian Lillard despite his existing contract, as they needed to clear cap space to sign center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal. Immediately, multiple teams emerged as potential suitors for the nine-time NBA All-Star.

Even though LeBron James and Luka Doncic already got the superstar reinforcement they were looking for, ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin noted that the Los Angeles Lakers are being very disciplined in free agency negotiations. The goal? To maintain as much cap space as possible to sign a major star in 2027. Could Lillard be the one?

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly among the teams interested in Damian Lillard

LeBron James and Damian Lillard. (Photo: Getty Images)

It’s not just the Golden State Warriors who are reportedly interested. According to The Athletic, the Lakers are among the “several contending teams” that reached out to Damian Lillard “shortly after it was revealed that his contract with the Bucks had ended.” The question now is whether he wants to sign with a team immediately and undergo rehab under their care—or wait until next summer to reassess the situation.

Lillard’s Old Message Sparks Excitement Among LeBron, Doncic, and the Lakers

With growing speculation that the Los Angeles Lakers could be interested in Lillard, the fan account Lakers All Day Everyday resurfaced a message from the star point guard dated June 14, 2017. In it, Lillard responded that, back then, if the Portland Trail Blazers didn’t want him, he would’ve liked to sign with either the Utah Jazz or the Lakers. The big question now: Does that interest still stand?

Lillard’s Message About the Lakers. (Photo: X / @LADEig)