Is Damian Lillard playing tonight? Exploring 7x NBA All-Star's availability vs Lakers | 2024 NBA preseason

Damian Lillard made a strong showing in the Milwaukee Bucks’ preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, scoring 15 points, dishing out four assists, and hitting four 3-pointers in just 17 minutes. However, despite Lillard’s solid performance, the Bucks' starters only played the first half, and the team suffered a lopsided 120-87 loss.

Next up for the Bucks are the LA Lakers, who come into the game after losing their first two preseason matchups — a 124-107 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves and a 118-114 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Lillard is expected to suit up for the Bucks in their second preseason game. Barring any last-minute injuries during warmups, the seven-time All-Star will likely take the court for the home crowd at Fiserv Forum.

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is also set to make his preseason debut tonight as the team gears up for the 2024-25 season. However, Khris Middleton (ankle) and Gary Trent Jr. (elbow) will be unavailable.

For the Lakers, Jarred Vanderbilt (foot surgery), Christian Wood (knee surgery), and Christian Koloko (NBA protocols) are not expected to play.

This matchup also marks an interesting reunion, as it’s the first time the Lakers face their former head coach, Darvin Ham, who rejoined the Bucks as an assistant after being let go. Former Lakers Taurean Prince and Brook Lopez are also on the Bucks' roster.

Damian Lillard reveals expressing to Giannis Antetokounmpo the need for them to connect

During Bucks media day, Damian Lillard revealed he had spoken to Giannis Antetokounmpo about the importance of building a stronger connection to better lead the team. Lillard recalled approaching Giannis during a playoff game last season, where both were sidelined.

“I just told him, I was like, ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen, but me and you have got to get connected. We’ve got to get something done.’ He agreed. Once he agreed, the conversation went a whole different way after that. It became a much more open conversation,” Lillard said (per AP).

“From there it just went into the summer, just communication,” Lillard said. “I think that’s more important than us getting on the court and working out together and all that stuff,” he said.

Last season, Damian Lillard averaged 24.3 points, 7.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game in his first year with the Bucks.

He played 73 regular-season games but only appeared in four games during the first-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers, where he averaged 31.3 points, 5.0 assists and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 41.7% from 3-point range.