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‘Your Game Is Timeless’: Deron Williams Issues Public Apology to Damian Lillard for Comparing His Role With LeBron James

542 days since his last NBA game, Damian Lillard truly turned back the clock. Coming off his Achilles tear, the 9-time All-Star ended with a game-high of 25 points.

Yard Barker

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 1:10 AM

Key Things to Know

Deron Williams publicly apologized to Damian Lillard for predicting he would fail to average 20 points this season.
Williams clarified he never considered Lillard washed, comparing his workload to that of veteran star LeBron James.
Returning from an Achilles tear, Lillard scored 25 points in 24 minutes during a 124–83 blowout victory.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former NBA player Deron Williams issued a public apology to Damian Lillard on the To The Baha podcast after initially predicting the guard would not average 20 points per game. Williams clarified he never believed Lillard was washed, but instead drew comparisons to LeBron James having a reduced offensive workload on a talent-rich team.

Lillard disproved the initial doubts during Portland's season opener against the Phoenix Suns, scoring 25 points in 24 minutes during a 124–83 win. The performance came in his first official appearance after missing 542 days following an Achilles tear.

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