Damian Lillard was officially ruled out of the Milwaukee Bucks’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 21, 2025, due to a calf injury. Initially, the 34-year-old star was listed on the injury report for right groin soreness. This latest setback adds to a troubling injury history; Lillard missed two games in December due to a right calf strain and two more in February from right hamstring soreness.
“I just know it popped up and, you know, didn’t do shoot-around today, and so we just keep moving on,” said Bucks head coach Doc Rivers during his pregame press conference. Lillard has been a key player for the Bucks this season, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. Currently, the Bucks are fighting for playoff positioning, entering Thursday’s action just one game behind the Indiana Pacers for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Pacers managed to extend their lead on that very day with a hard-fought 105-99 overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets, increasing the stakes for the Bucks prior to their matchup with the Lakers. Rivers noted that even before Lillard’s status was confirmed, the Bucks still appeared to have the upper hand amid a growing injury crisis for the Lakers. The Los Angeles squad is missing its top four scorers and five of the top six players in their rotation.
Adding to the Lakers’ woes, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were also ruled out of the second game of a back-to-back following their 120-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets on March 19, 2025. This unfortunate trend doesn’t stop there: Dorian Finney-Smith is nursing a left ankle injury, while Jarred Vanderbilt is sidelined due to a right groin strain. Star players LeBron James and Rui Hachimura are also among those who will be absent due to injury.
“I don’t know if we’re going to be the more healthier team tonight, to be honest,” Rivers remarked, acknowledging the difficult circumstances both teams face. “But (the Lakers) not having Luka and LeBron, we’re probably the more healthier team.” Rivers’ statement highlights the competitive landscape as the season approaches its climax.
As both teams head into critical games, the urgency intensifies, especially for the Milwaukee Bucks as they strive to improve their playoff standings. Every game matters, and with injuries impacting the lineup on both sides, the dynamics of the match are undoubtedly altered, setting the stage for an unpredictable showdown. The Bucks will be looking to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference, while the Lakers aim to overcome their roster challenges and secure a win at home.
Given the current state of affairs, the impact of Lillard’s absence in the game against the Lakers will be felt profoundly, not just in terms of scoring but also in leadership on the court. As the NBA playoffs loom closer, every win counts, and teams will need to rally together, overcome injuries, and make strategic adjustments to secure playoff berths and favorable positions.
This game serves as a litmus test for both teams as they navigate through adversity while pushing for postseason success. For fans and analysts alike, watching how the teams adapt will be crucial as the playoffs approach.
