Damian Lillard Admits Chasing Steph Curry’s Legacy as Title Eludes Him

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has never been one to hide his ambitions—and in a recent podcast appearance, he opened up about a rivalry that has long lingered in the shadows of the NBA spotlight.

Speaking on Austin Rivers’ Eye For The Game podcast, the nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA guard revealed that he’s long measured himself against Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry—not just in skill, but in the one area that still eludes him: championships.

“It was always like, Steph took off, and I was chasing. I wanted what he had,” Lillard said. “He’s winning championships, everybody’s talking about him. So I was very competitive with Steph, especially in those years where I was like, ‘No, I can do that too.’”

Though Lillard believes he can match Curry in terms of talent and impact, he openly admits that what separates them is hardware. While Curry is a four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, Lillard is still hunting for his first title as he nears the twilight of his career at age 34.

Currently in his second season with the Bucks, Lillard has found a strong rhythm, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. His dynamic play has been key in Milwaukee’s push toward postseason success, especially as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing playoff exit last year.

Meanwhile, Curry, now in his 16th NBA season, continues to shine. The Warriors’ sharpshooter is averaging over 24 points per game and remains the heart of a team trying to navigate a turbulent Western Conference playoff picture. Golden State’s upcoming regular-season finale against the Clippers holds major postseason implications, with the team’s seeding ranging anywhere from fourth to seventh, potentially landing them in the dreaded play-in tournament.

For Lillard, the path to a championship still burns bright—but so does the acknowledgment that, in some ways, he’s been chasing Curry’s legacy all along.