NBA all-star and Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard will miss the remainder of the NBA regular season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), according to Sports Illustrated.
The clot was detected in Lillard’s right leg after he complained of calf soreness and underwent imaging.
According to a post from ESPN’s Shams Charania on X, “Lillard is on blood-thinning medication, which has stabilized the blood clot, and will continue with regular testing. He is out [for an] indefinite period.”
DVT complications can include pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially life-threatening condition when a clot in the leg (or other body area) breaks free and becomes lodged in a pulmonary blood vessel, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Lillard expressed his disappointment in the diagnosis but said he would return to the court when healthy.
“It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up. Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety. As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I’m grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this. They’ve been supportive and proactive throughout this process. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career.”
via x.com/ChrisBHaynes
Lillard is the second NBA star to be sidelined by DVT this year, after San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama was diagnosed in February, ending his season.
Blood clots have affected several other NBA players in recent years, including former Miami Heat all-star Chris Bosh, who was forced to retire in 2016 after recurring pulmonary emboli.
Read more: NBA All-Star Chris Bosh Hospitalized with Pulmonary Embolism
Read more: Another NBA Player Sidelined by Pulmonary Embolism
