Damian Lillard underwent surgery on May 2, 2025, to repair a complete tear of his left Achilles tendon sustained during Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
This procedure, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, was necessary to address an acute, non-contact injury that occurred while Lillard attempted to secure an offensive rebound against the Indiana Pacers.
Previously, Lillard had surgery in January 2022 to repair a chronic core muscle injury—specifically lower abdominal tendinopathy—that had plagued him for over four years. These medical interventions were vital for his long-term professional health and 2026 return.
Understanding the 2025 Left Achilles Tendon Repair
The necessity of the 2025 surgery stemmed from a high-stakes moment during the postseason where the physical demands of elite basketball resulted in a catastrophic structural failure of the Achilles tendon.
The Critical Moment in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
The injury that led to the surgical requirement occurred during a pivotal Game 4 matchup against the Indiana Pacers. As Lillard went up for an offensive rebound, he suffered a non-contact injury that caused him to collapse immediately.
The visual of Lillard leaving the arena in a walking boot and crutches was the first indication of the severity of the situation, which was later confirmed by an MRI as a complete tear of the left Achilles tendon.
This type of injury is considered one of the most challenging for professional athletes, requiring immediate and expert intervention to ensure any possibility of a future return to the court.
Medical Leadership and Dr. Neal ElAttrache’s Role
To address this career-altering injury, Lillard traveled to Los Angeles for a procedure performed by renowned specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache on May 2, 2025.
The surgical strategy was not developed in isolation; the procedure involved close consultation with team orthopedic specialist Dr. Carole Vetter to align the surgery with the long-term rehabilitation goals of the athlete.
The focus of the repair was to reattach the torn ends of the tendon and reinforce the area to withstand the explosive movements required in professional basketball.
This surgical precision laid the groundwork for a recovery process that would eventually span more than a full calendar year.
What Condition Did Damian Lillard Have Previously?
While the 2025 Achilles repair is the most recent surgical event, it followed a significant history of managing chronic pain through another major medical procedure.
The 2022 Battle with Abdominal Tendinopathy
Before the acute Achilles injury, the primary medical concern for Lillard was a condition known as lower abdominal tendinopathy. This was not a sudden injury but rather a chronic core muscle issue that Lillard managed for approximately four and a half years.
The condition reached a breaking point during the Tokyo Olympics and the early portion of the subsequent NBA season, where his performance metrics began to decline due to persistent, debilitating pain.
The decision to move toward surgery in early 2022 was made to permanently resolve the core instability that was hindering his ability to play at an elite level.
Strategic Recovery at The Vincera Institute
On January 13, 2022, Lillard underwent abdominal core surgery performed by Dr. William C. Meyers at The Vincera Institute in Philadelphia.
The goal of this specific surgery was to repair the core injury and eliminate the chronic abdominal pain that had become unmanageable.
Following the procedure, Lillard was shut down for the remainder of that season to focus on an aggressive rehabilitation and strength-building protocol.
This earlier surgery was highly successful, allowing him to return to a high level of competition before the unfortunate events of the 2025 playoffs shifted his medical focus toward his lower extremities.
Major Surgical Milestones for Damian Lillard
The following table provides a comparative overview of the two primary surgical procedures Lillard has navigated during his career to help clarify the timeline and medical teams involved.
| Detail | Abdominal Surgery (2022) | Achilles Surgery (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reason | Chronic lower abdominal tendinopathy | Acute, complete left Achilles tear |
| Surgery Date | January 13, 2022 | May 2, 2025 |
| Lead Surgeon | Dr. William C. Meyers | Dr. Neal ElAttrache |
| Location | Philadelphia (Vincera Institute) | Los Angeles |
| Primary Recovery Goal | Resolve core pain and instability | Repair tendon and restore mobility |
| Time Sidelined | Remainder of the 2021–22 season | Entirety of the 2025–26 season |
Complications Impacting the Sidelined Year
The path from the operating table to the basketball court is rarely a straight line, and Lillard’s recovery from his 2025 surgery faced an unexpected and serious obstacle.
Navigating Deep Vein Thrombosis in Recovery
The rehabilitation process for the Achilles tear was significantly complicated by a concurrent medical issue in the opposite leg. During the early stages of his recovery, Lillard developed a blood clot, specifically deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in his right leg.
This complication added a layer of medical complexity to his recovery, as managing a blood clot requires careful monitoring and often medication that can influence the timeline for returning to physical activity.
The presence of DVT meant that his medical team had to balance the physical therapy for his left Achilles with the vascular safety of his right leg.
The Cumulative Effect of the 2025-26 Absence
Because of the combined severity of the complete Achilles tear and the subsequent blood clot complication, Lillard was forced to miss the entirety of the 2025–26 NBA season.
This extended absence was necessary to ensure that both the tendon had fully healed and the vascular issues were completely resolved.
While missing a full season is a significant hurdle for any veteran player, the decision was rooted in a commitment to long-term health rather than a rushed return that could lead to further re-injury or systemic health risks.
What Injury Is Damian Lillard Suffering from Now?
As of mid-2026, the focus has shifted from the acute injury and its complications to the final stages of a comprehensive comeback plan.
Progressing to 5-on-5 Basketball Activities
By July 2026, reports indicate that Lillard has reached a critical milestone in his rehabilitation. He is no longer just performing isolated drills; he has progressed to playing in full 5-on-5 pickup games.
This progression is the final “green light” in a recovery protocol, demonstrating that the surgically repaired Achilles can now withstand the unpredictable movements, rapid acceleration, and high-impact jumping required in a competitive game environment.
His status is currently described as “fully on track” for the upcoming season.
Returning to the Portland Trail Blazers
Following his extensive recovery period, Lillard has returned to the Portland Trail Blazers. This return marks a symbolic and physical homecoming as he prepares for the 2026-27 season.
Throughout the recent offseason, he has been dedicated to regaining his peak physical conditioning and strength, ensuring that his body is prepared for the rigors of an 82-game schedule.
The transition from a patient to an active roster member is essentially complete, with the focus now on competitive chemistry rather than medical limitations.
The Comeback Trajectory for the 2026-27 Season
The anticipation surrounding Lillard’s return is built on the foundation of the successful medical interventions he has undergone over the last several years.
Offseason Conditioning and Physical Resilience
The 2026 offseason has been defined by a rigorous focus on regaining the physical strength that was lost during the sidelined year. For an athlete whose game relies on speed and the “Dame Time” clutch factor, the resilience of the Achilles tendon is paramount.
His training has centered on rebuilding the calf muscle and ensuring the integrity of the repair holds up under maximum load.
By spending the summer focusing on this conditioning, Lillard is positioning himself to enter training camp without the restrictions that characterized his previous seasons.
Anticipating the Return of “Dame Time”
With the 2026-27 season opener approaching, Lillard is fully expected to be back on the court.
His journey from the 2025 surgery, through the complication of a blood clot, to his current state of 5-on-5 competition represents a significant triumph of modern sports medicine and personal discipline.
Fans and analysts alike are looking to see how the combination of his 2022 core surgery and 2025 Achilles repair will impact his longevity, with all current signs pointing toward a successful and healthy return to professional play.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lillard’s Surgery
Was Lillard’s 2025 injury a result of his previous core issues?
There is no direct evidence that the 2022 core surgery led to the 2025 Achilles tear. The core surgery was to address chronic tendinopathy, whereas the Achilles injury was an acute, non-contact tear sustained during a specific playoff game.
Who performed Damian Lillard’s most recent surgery?
The surgery to repair his left Achilles tendon was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles.
How long was Lillard out after his Achilles surgery?
Lillard missed the entire 2025-26 NBA season to allow for full healing and to manage a blood clot complication.
Is Damian Lillard playing in the 2026-27 season?
Yes, as of July 2026, he is fully on track to return for the 2026-27 season and has already begun playing 5-on-5 basketball.
Which team is Damian Lillard on for his comeback?
Following his recovery, Lillard has returned to the Portland Trail Blazers.
