Injured Damian Lillard to compete in 3-point contest at NBA All-Star Weekend

Trail Blazers star will participate despite missing season due to Achilles injury recovery

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers' star player who has been sidelined this NBA season due to an Achilles injury, will surprisingly compete in the 3-point contest at the upcoming All-Star Weekend. Lillard initially joked about participating, but the league later reached out and he agreed to take part in the event.

Why it matters

Lillard's participation in the 3-point contest is unexpected, as he has not played in any games this season as he recovers from his Achilles injury. His inclusion adds star power to the event and shows his commitment to the league and its marquee All-Star festivities, even when unable to fully compete.

The details

Lillard said the idea started as a joke when he was talking with an NBA marketing executive, Michael Levine. But when a spot opened up in the 3-point contest field, Levine reached back out to Lillard, who agreed to participate after getting approval from the Trail Blazers' general manager. Lillard said he is 'healthy enough to do it' and is looking forward to the competition as a break from his rehabilitation routine.

  • Lillard suffered the Achilles injury in April 2025.
  • The NBA All-Star Weekend is scheduled for February 2026.

The players

Damian Lillard

A 35-year-old star player for the Portland Trail Blazers who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury but will compete in the 3-point contest at the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend.

Michael Levine

A marketing executive for the NBA who reached out to Lillard about participating in the 3-point contest after a spot opened up in the field.

Joe Cronin

The general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers, who gave his approval for Lillard to compete in the 3-point contest.

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What they’re saying

“I'm healthy enough to do it, but who jumps out there and does that? I'm gonna do it.”

— Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers star (nytimes.com)

“All-Star Weekend needs stars. People want to see stars competing.”

— Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers star (nytimes.com)

“I need some competition. I've just been working out, not playing, so I need some type of competition. I just need a bump.”

— Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers star (nytimes.com)

What’s next

Lillard will compete in the 3-point contest at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles on February 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Damian Lillard's unexpected participation in the 3-point contest at the NBA All-Star Weekend, despite being sidelined this season due to an Achilles injury, demonstrates his commitment to the league and its marquee events. His inclusion adds star power to the event and provides him a much-needed competitive outlet as he continues his rehabilitation.