Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers warms up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Moda Center on February 08, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFP
Portland Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard is beginning the conditioning phase of his return from abdominal surgery and will be evaluated again in two to three weeks, the team announced Sunday.
Lillard, who has missed 25 games, had the surgery on January 13, but he has not played since December 31.
The six-time All-Star reportedly has dealt with the abdominal issue all season, and his shooting has suffered.
The 10-year veteran is shooting career lows from the field (40.2 percent) and 3-point range (32.4).
Lillard, 31, is averaging 24 points and 7.3 assists in 29 games.
The Trail Blazers are 10th in the Western Conference, 2 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers. They are 12-13 since Lillard went down.