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While Damian Lillard is mostly known for his results on the basketball court, the nine-time NBA All-Star is also an avid fan of martial arts.
Kyle Kuzma, who was traded for Milwaukee Bucks in February, was apparently aware of his teammate Lillard’s passion for boxing and decided to challenge him to a match.
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Milwaukee Bucks players look at during the game against Atlanta Hawks on March 4, 2025 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. (Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
In a social media post, Kuzma initially joked that Bucks Super Star Giannis Antetokounmpo would have consequences if he left Milwaukee at some point this season.
Speculation has swirled that the two-time NBA MVP could explore his options, this season to track with a team that is better placed for a deep playoffs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Next Team Odds: Where will ‘Greek Freak’ play next season?
“Me to @giannis_an34 if you leave next year,” Kuzma wrote in an instagram stories post over a video of him in a sparring session.
Kuzma followed up that the post by suggesting that Lillard could be “next” teammate to draw his anger. “Ding ding,” Kuzma wrote another video of him wearing boxing gloves.
Damian Lillard #0 from Portland Trail Blazers controls the ball during the second half against Utah Jazz in the Vivint Arena on March 22, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Lillard caught Wind of Kuzma’s challenge and reacted kindly.
“When I’m healthy … I’ll stop you in the 5th … Long torso = BHOP vs. de la Hoya,” Lillard wrote in an Instagram Stories -post.
April 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks Guard Damian Lillard (0) responds with Forward Kyle Kuzma (18) in the first quarter against Indiana Pacers during match four of the first round of the NBA playing game in 2024 on the Fiserv Forum. (Benny SIEU-PLACE PICTURES)
Lillard’s answer was a reference to Bernard Hopkins’ famous 2004 match against Oscar de la Hoya. Hopkins defended his middleweight title as he knocked out de la Hoya. The match is largely remembered that it was the first time in De La Hoya’s career he lost a battle via knockout.
Bucks list Lillard as 6 ‘2 “and 195 lbs. Meanwhile, Kuzma is noted at 6’ 9” and 221 lbs.
De la Hoya was noticeably smaller than Hopkins when they were in the ring. De La Hoya, often called “The Golden Boy,” tried to win a belt in a weight class that was heavier than he usually competed in.
Lillard recently underwent surgery to repair his cracked left Achilles. He suffered the damage in April during the Bucks Playoff series against Indiana Pacers. Shortly before the ACL injury, the Star Point Guard had worked back from a deep vein thrombosis problem in his right leg. Lillard was sidelined for Bucks’ last 14 games in the regular season 2024-25.
