Damian Lillard Doesn't Mind Playing A Villain In 'Space Jam: A New Legacy'

Lillard joins Anthony Davis, Diana Taurasai, Klay Thompson and other NBA and WNBA luminaries are members of the "Goon Squad."

One thing stuck out most to Trail Blazers fans in the first full-length trailer for LeBron James' long-awaited Space Jam sequel: The role of Damian Lillard.

A metal-plated, purple-light-emitting version of the Trail Blazers superstar is prominently featured in the preview. Cyborg Lillard first gets screentime as his other NBA and WNBA co-stars are introduced, then returns for the trailer's final moments, causing the Toon Squad's Granny to prepare for on-court battle against him.

Does that mean Lillard is a defacto villain in Space Jam: A New Legacy? Absolutely. Lillard isn't sweating suiting up for the "Goon Squad," though. Like Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing and other "Monstars" before him, he knows his place in the Space Jam universe.

"I like it, it fits with the original movie," said Lillard of playing a villian, per team reporter Casey Holdahl. "You have Jordan and then you’ve got the other guys. I’m not LeBron James, so I’m one of the other guys, so it fits. I’m not mad at it, I like it."

Joining Lillard on the Goon Squad are Anthony Davis, Diana Taurasi, Klay Thompson and Nneka Ogwumike, among other NBA and WNBA luminaries. 

Lillard said he's been getting "a lot of messages" and has noticed a "big buzz" among family, friends and fans alike since the Space Jam trailer debuted on Saturday. What most excites Lillard, though, is the prospect of sharing his big-screen debut with his young son and nephew.

"I always try to figure out what movies and TV shows that I liked as a kid that I was to introduce my son to, and I let him watch the first 'Space Jam' and he was locked into it," he said. "So when I watch the full movie they let us look through before it comes out I’m gonna sit there and watch it with my son and my nephew so they can see. I’m excited to do that."

Space Jam: A New Legacy hits theaters and HBO Max on July 16.

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