NBA insider reveals Blazers’ Damian Lillard claimed about feeling ’29 all over again’

Damian Lillard entered year 13 of his decorated NBA career with a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors. During the game, the Portland Trail Blazers star point guard looked like a player ready to turn back the clock in his first game since suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Recently, NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed an offseason conversation with Lillard where he said he feels like he is "29 all over again" after changing his training routine.

"I went to his crib over the offseason and checked out some of his workouts, and he was really getting at it, and he told me like he's going to be back. He said he feels like he's 29 all over again," Haynes said.

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"He's in cruise control, the way he's playing and 15 points a half. That's impressive," the insider added.

Lillard showed that confidence Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, scoring 15 points in 19 minutes. He shot 5-of-11 from the field, made three 3-pointers and added one rebound, one assist and two steals.

The exhibition marked Lillard's first game since the 2025 NBA Playoffs, when his season ended because of the Achilles injury. He spent the 2025-26 season recovering before returning to Portland, where he began his NBA career.

Lillard started alongside new teammate Ja Morant and operated primarily without the ball. With Lillard back and Morant joining a young core that reached the playoffs last season, Portland has plenty of reasons to believe its backcourt can make an impact.

For Lillard, Wednesday provided the first real evidence that his long road back may be paying off.