How many of you believe that 2024-25 is going to be the season that Damian Lillard will dominate? With the shocker of a trade from his home of 12 years to divorce from his wife, Kay’La Lillard, the Bucks superstar went through drastic changes in the span of a few months. And that negatively affected his performance. Lillard admitted that September was the first time he touched a basketball. Even with such instances, Marc J. Spears believes that the upcoming season is going to be ‘Dame Time’ in Milwaukee.

Spears has more than enough reason to make such a claim. Heard of David Goggins? The retired United States Navy SEAL? Of course, you have. The man is world-famous for his insanely rigorous workouts and endurance training! And who was his latest student? None other than Damian Lillard.

Spears, for his credit, had quite the descriptive take to it. “He’s going to be on a vengeance tour,” the senior NBA writer for Andscape foretold in his appearance on the Hear District Podcast. Then, referring to Dame’s training with Goggins, he said, “You don’t work out with that dude unless you trying to be a superhero!”

“You got to be trying to be a Green Beret, you know, super active, going-to-the-Middle-East-to-save-people kind of dude to train with that guy.” We definitely don’t disagree with the Hall of Fame journalist there!

In a video shared by the now-motivational speaker, Goggins detailed the 38-hour-long workout that even included the 8x All-Star’s own basketball drills. Lillard was clearly not playing around.

Damian Lillard plans to leave no stone unturned in his comeback

“I’ve said a lot of things in my life, and I felt like I was going to go against everything I ever said about myself,” Lillard said after his one-on-one with David Goggins. On the surface, it might sound like a simple statement. But everyone who has followed his tumultuous past year would agree that it goes much deeper.

Dame has been candid about his struggles, as we mentioned above. Despite finishing third in the East, the Bucks could certainly have performed better had Lillard been in way better shape. However, mental health is a big part of staying focused and determined. And the mental fortitude was what he lacked during the big change.

Marques Johnson pointed out that fact when he said that Goggins was just the right person for that side of the job, too. “His philosophical stuff is just really good, which I think will benefit Dame just as much as all the physical stuff they’re doing.” 

The 34-year-old has promised to come back better for the 2024-25 season. And if the workout session with Goggins is any indication, then we can certainly look forward to a lethal Damian Lillard. After all, he still has to get that championship.

 Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.