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Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard injury history and update on abdominal surgery

By Joe Capraro

Dec 31, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers Talen Horton-Tucker (5) as he drives to the basket in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers Talen Horton-Tucker (5) as he drives to the basket in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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A review of Damian Lillard’s injury history and an update on his latest status:

The Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard had abdominal surgery on January 13 and is expected to be out until mid-March at the earliest. The injury had been bothering Lillard for years and had kept him out of the lineup for a total of 11 games on seven separate occasions this season before his season ended for good after the Blazers’ New Year’s Eve loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

While Lillard was obviously struggling throughout this season, he never publicly attributed that to the injury. But his 24.0 points per game average was his worst since the 2014-15 season, and his 32.4 percent 3-point shooting was a career low.

Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard, Damian Lillard injury
Dec 29, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) talks to a media member before a game against the Utah Jazz at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Lillard told Casey Holdahl of Blazers.com that the Blazers’ battles with injuries and COVID seemed “like a sign. This seems like the time this is supposed to happen.”

So the Trail Blazers’ best player will act as an assistant coach for at least the next month or two, and likely the remainder of the season. He’ll also be mentoring Anfernee Simons, at least until the youngster departs via trade or free agency.

This article was updated on January 30.

Damian Lillard injury update:

Lillard has not played since New Year’s Eve and will be out until at least March 15, when he will be reevaluated following abdominal surgery.

Damian Lillard knee injury, 2021

Lillard sprained his right knee in Game 4 of the 2021 playoff series against the Lakers and missed the season-ending Game 5.

Damian Lillard left ankle sprain, 2018

Lillard suffered a left ankle sprain against the Dallas Mavericks on April 3, 2018 and missed the following game against the San Antonio Spurs.

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