Lillard aims for record-tying third NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest title

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Is this a sign that ‘Dame Dolla’ is close to returning this 2025–2026 NBA season?

Despite undergoing rehabilitation for his ruptured left Achilles tendon, nine-time NBA All-Star and Portland Trail Blazers superstar guard Damian Lillard is set to participate in the 2026 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest on Feb. 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Lillard is attempting to match Larry Bird and Craig Hodges’ NBA All-Star record of three 3-point contest titles with a victory, having previously won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.

With a lot at stake, Lillard will try to gun for the unimaginable, becoming an NBA All-Star 3-point king without playing a single game so far this regular season.

Lillard’s season was officially shut down last April 27, 2025, after he ruptured his left Achilles tendon while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.

While attempting to collect an offensive rebound, Lillard fell without any contact and didn’t return to the game, resulting in a Game 4 loss for the Bucks against the Indiana Pacers.

Lillard went under the knife on May 2, 2025, and has been in active rehabilitation since returning home to Portland in the offseason of the 2025–2026 NBA regular season.

According to multiple reports, Lillard is locked and loaded for the 3-point contest and has already practiced his rack rhythm and shooting form consistency.

Lillard will face a tough test in his ultimate goal, as former 3-Point Contest champion Devin Booker will attempt to replicate the feat he achieved in 2018.

Aside from Booker, Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey, and Denver’s Jamal Murray, three of the most consistent guards this season, will also stand in his way.

Completing the cast in this year’s NBA 3-Point Contest are Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel, Miami’s Norman Powell, and Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis Jr.