LeBron James May Have Known All Along Lillard Was Headed to Bucks – Here's Why

(Photo : Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - LeBron James (#6) of the Los Angeles Lakers is pressured by Damian Lillard (#0) of the Portland Trailblazers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (#2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Damian Lillard has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, a move that could convince two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo that they are committed to winning another title.

The deal was a bit shocking considering Lillard made clear his preference to be dealt to the Miami Heat, the Guardian reported.

However, if one looks back to last NBA season's All-Star selection, Antetokounmpo was the team captain and selected who he wanted on his team. He surprised many, including LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, when he chose Lillard as his first pick.

Watch this moment from last season’s All-Star Draft.

Giannis picks Dame with his first pick instead of Jrue. LeBron smells fish and calls it out. pic.twitter.com/I1nQW9uwfj
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) September 27, 2023

James was left befuddled by the move, believing he knew Antetokounmpo that well. Further, it was a bit surprising considering the "Greek Freak" chose Lillard over teammate Jrue Holiday.

"See, Giannis has changed this weekend. You know he always talk about loyalty, being loyal, all that stuff, right? So I knew for sure his first pick was going to be Jrue. So I don't know what's going on with Giannis," the four-time NBA champion said at the time.

That moment could be something or nothing. Antetokounmpo may have been hinting at something or sending a message to Dame that he is welcome in Milwaukee.

Can the Bucks keep Dame?

But if one looks back, the Bucks were never directly mentioned as one of the aggressive suitors for Damian Lillard. Then again, he joins a team that is now the odds-on-favorite to rule the Eastern Conference.

Hence, all eyes will be on Lillard again as to whether he will still push for a move to Miami.

Recall that the Miami Herald previously suggested that the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year may still ask for a trade if he ends up in a team other than the Heat.