Blazers Guard Damian Lillard On How Much Longer He Wants To Play In The NBA [Watch]
During a captivating Instagram Live session, Damian Lillard, the esteemed point guard of the Portland Trail Blazers, shed light on his future in the NBA and his priorities beyond the game. When asked about how much longer he plans to play at the highest level, Lillard spoke with a sense of wisdom and balance, expressing a desire to be there for his kids as they grow up.
Lillard humbly acknowledged that he does not envision himself playing in the NBA until he reaches the age of 40. He stressed the significance of being present for his children’s formative years, emphasizing the importance of family and the role he wants to play in their lives. While basketball remains a passion, Lillard understands the fleeting nature of a professional athletic career and the need to make the most of precious moments with his loved ones.
“That’s a great question. I have never been asked that before. Idk, but I definitely not going to be playing until I’m 40,” Says Lillard.
“I don’t see it unless…IDK. Play this deal out & see what happens. If I win the chip on this deal, I really don’t know. My kids are getting to that age where I don’t want to miss time like that.”
With an insightful perspective, Lillard mentioned that once his current contract comes to an end, he will assess his options and make decisions about the future accordingly. By leaving the door open to possibilities beyond his current contract, Lillard demonstrated a pragmatic approach, focusing on taking each step as it comes and adapting to the circumstances. While he remains dedicated to the game and the Blazers, Lillard’s commitment to his family and being a present father shines through, revealing a balance between his professional and personal aspirations.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
