Damian Lillard credits David Goggins for putting him in the best shape ever: “Kind of just dying in the middle of it”

As the 2024-25 NBA regular season approaches, eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard is laser-focused on conditioning himself for one of the most physically demanding seasons of his career. Now playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, the 34-year-old point guard has been pushing his body to the limits with the help of former U.S. Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete David Goggins, whom Lillard credits for helping him achieve the best shape of his life.

Known for his tireless work ethic and relentless approach to fitness, Lillard has always prided himself on being physically prepared for the grind of an NBA season. But this offseason, he took things to a new level by partnering with Goggins, a man whose no-excuses mindset and grueling training regimen have inspired millions around the world.

The Path to Peak Conditioning

Working under Goggins’ watchful eye, Lillard has been engaging in workouts that test not only his physical strength but also his mental fortitude. His training routine has been focused on high-resistance stationary bike sessions, lunges, and pushups — all aimed at building his lower body strength, agility, and endurance. Lillard’s goal is clear: to be in the best physical shape of his career as he prepares for another shot at the NBA title.

“To achieve that goal, I had to push myself beyond what I thought I could handle,” Lillard explained in a recent interview. “As much as it was a challenge for me in terms of conditioning, it was even more of a mental challenge than anything else.”

One of the highlights of his grueling offseason with Goggins was a series of four-day workout sessions that included 1,000 lunges and 700 pushups in just 45 minutes. Lillard described these sessions as some of the most intense workouts of his life. “When you’re in the middle of it, and you’re kind of just dying, you realize there’s more in there than you think,” Lillard reflected. “Coming out the other side, after spending that time with Goggins, it really did something for me mentally.”

The Goggins Effect: Pushing Mental Limits

For Lillard, partnering with Goggins wasn’t just about physical conditioning — it was about pushing his mental boundaries. Known for his mantra of “stay hard” and his belief in the power of mental toughness, Goggins helped Lillard unlock new levels of resilience.

Lillard has always been recognized for his mental toughness, famously known as “Dame Time” for his clutch performances in critical moments. However, his collaboration with Goggins pushed him to embrace a different level of grit. “The greatest takeaway from it was the mental strength,” Lillard said. “Realizing that when you think you’re done, you’re only at the beginning. It’s all about how far you’re willing to go.”

Goggins, who was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame for his remarkable feats of endurance and perseverance, didn’t hold back in his training sessions with Lillard. Over the past couple of years, the two have built a close relationship, with Goggins pushing Lillard to confront both physical and mental barriers in their workout routines.

“I’ve been with David Goggins for a couple years now, and we could never get the timing right,” Lillard revealed. “But this summer, after finishing my Elite Camp in Phoenix, we finally had a chance to link up, and we just went to work. We didn’t waste any time.”

Lillard’s Comeback Journey

Lillard’s decision to enlist Goggins comes at a crucial point in his career. Last season, he played 73 regular-season games — the most he has played since the 2018-19 season. However, the latter stages of Lillard’s career have been marred by injuries, which have taken a toll on his consistency and performance. In the 2021-22 season, Lillard played only 29 games for the Portland Trail Blazers due to a season-ending injury. The following year, while he averaged a career-high 32.2 points per game, he was limited to 58 games, again due to injury setbacks.

After being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard was determined to stay healthy and elevate his game to the highest level. In the 2023-24 season, he managed to significantly increase his games played compared to previous seasons, but the toll on his body was evident. In the playoffs, the Bucks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the first round, with Lillard missing crucial Games 4 and 5 due to a right Achilles injury. Despite returning for Game 6, the Bucks were unable to overcome the Pacers’ momentum, losing the series.

Now entering the 2024-25 season, Lillard is focused on sustaining his health and conditioning to give his team a legitimate shot at the title. The partnership with Goggins is key to this strategy, as Lillard understands that physical strength alone won’t be enough — he will need the mental toughness that Goggins is renowned for cultivating in those he trains.

“Kind of Just Dying in the Middle of It”

What stands out most about Lillard’s journey with Goggins is the intensity of their workouts and the mental toll they took. Goggins’ approach is famously extreme, designed to push people past their comfort zones. Lillard recalled the moments in training when he felt like he was at his breaking point, only to realize that he had much more left in the tank. “It’s not just about pushing yourself physically,” Lillard said. “It’s about realizing that your mind is capable of so much more than you give it credit for.”

This mindset is what sets Lillard apart as an athlete and leader on the court. Despite the challenges of injury and the natural wear and tear that comes with being in the NBA for over a decade, Lillard has shown time and time again that he can rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Looking Ahead to the 2024-25 Season

As Lillard prepares to lead the Milwaukee Bucks in the upcoming NBA season, he is determined to bring a new level of energy, strength, and focus to the team. After a disappointing playoff exit last year, the Bucks will be hungry for redemption, and Lillard’s improved conditioning and mental toughness will be a crucial asset to their championship aspirations.

“I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, and I credit that to the work I’ve done with David Goggins,” Lillard said. “I feel stronger, more agile, and more prepared to take on the grind of an 82-game season and the playoffs.”

With superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo by his side, Lillard is poised to make a significant impact in the Eastern Conference. His partnership with Goggins has not only transformed his body but also his mindset, giving him the tools he needs to overcome the inevitable challenges that come with being a veteran player in a highly competitive league.

As Lillard gears up for another run at the title, his offseason with Goggins has left him more prepared than ever to face the physical and mental demands of the NBA season. And for fans of “Dame Time,” that means one thing: a fierce, focused, and conditioned Damian Lillard is ready to take the court and lead the Bucks to glory.