Blazers shut down Lillard for season

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard will miss the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign as he recovers from abdominal surgery, the team announced Monday.

Although Lillard has made significant progress, the Blazers felt it was in his best long-term interest to sit out the club's remaining 12 contests, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Lillard's numbers dropped in numerous categories this season. He averaged 24 points per game but posted career lows in field-goal percentage (40.2%) and 3-point percentage (32.4%).

The six-time All-Star is signed through 2023-24 and holds a $48.8-million player option for 2024-25.

Portland is on a four-game losing streak and sits 3.5 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the West's final play-in tournament spot.