Following a celebratory Tuesday in Las Vegas due to contributing in a victory for the NBA Cup Championship, things continue to get brighter for Milwaukee Bucks star guard Damian Lillard. Lillard was able to secure himself a lifetime contract extension with Adidas on Wednesday, December 15th, according to sources at ESPN.
Lillard's previous deal with Adidas had expired last offseason and his representatives were working to get a new deal finalized with the 3 striped brand. Having himself a season, Lillard is currently putting up an average of 25.7 points, 7.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game this season. After winning the NBA Cup Championship, the Bucks have an advantage in momentum to be contenders as the season heads towards All Star Weekend and the eventual NBA Playoffs.
Damian Lillard, #EmiratesNBACup Champ 🏆📸 pic.twitter.com/Mr0coDtTOj
— NBA (@NBA) December 18, 2024
The deal places Lillard among names such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry as players who have signed lifetime deals with their respective footwear counterparts.
Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Damian Lillard has agreed to a lifetime contract extension with Adidas, sources told ESPN. Lillard now joins LeBron James and Kevin Durant (Nike) and Stephen Curry (Under Armour/Curry Brand) as active NBA players with lifetime shoe endorsements. pic.twitter.com/BNKU2VDUNT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 18, 2024
Upon entering the league, Lillard has been a part of the Adidas family and with the announcement, it is obvious there is no stopping the clutch shooting superstar. Adidas has shown their gratitude towards Dame as they have also announced earlier this year that it named the gymnasium court at the company's headquarters after Lillard. At 34 years old, Lillard is on the run of a lifetime on and off the court as he looks towards the one thing that has alluded him so far in his career, the NBA Championship ring gracing his finger.
Adidas has been on a roll with hooping sneakers as the Adidas AE1 by Timberwolves' star Anthony Edwards has been dubbed by many as the sneaker of the year. If similar effort continues to be put towards Lillard's footwear, there might be a conversation to be had with who truly has taken over basketball footwear as industry leaders.