The Milwaukee Bucks are heating up at just the right time, making a strong push up the Eastern Conference standings. Winning six of their last 10 games, they now hold the No. 4 seed and are starting to look like the contender everyone expected. A big part of that success? Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo finally figuring things out. It took some time for them to find their rhythm, but now that they have, the results speak for themselves.

Early on, there were growing pains—two superstar play styles don’t always mesh overnight. But lately, they’ve been clicking, and when these two are on the same page, the Bucks become a serious problem for the rest of the league. Speaking with Candace Parker in a recent interview, Lillard reflected on his growth and the evolving dynamic between him and the two-time MVP.

Lillard acknowledged that his first season with the Bucks was all about figuring things out. “Last year, was kind of like the learning part for me, just trying to figure it out,” he admitted. “Just like, how can I be the best complement to him?”

Understanding Giannis’ game and how to support him was a major focus for Lillard. “The two-time MVP, a champion like the most dominant player in the game, and I came back into this year with a much better understanding of him and just a better version of myself,” he explained.

Beyond their on-court connection, Lillard also sees his role as a veteran presence for the Greek Freak. “Sometimes he’s gonna need somebody to lean on. Me being older than him, how can I ever be a vet to him at times?” he said. “I came in with that type of mentality, knowing, like, he’s going to need me. And in some of these ways, and I got to be able to provide that for him.”

With that understanding in place, the 9x All-Star is confident about what’s ahead. “So, now, I feel like we’ll be able to stay healthy. We got action.”

Lillard’s first season with the Bucks didn’t exactly go as planned. The adjustment period alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo raised major doubts, as his production dipped. Sharing the floor with the fellow 9x All-Star meant Lillard’s production was bound to drop, but the bigger issue was his efficiency—something that shouldn’t have been impacted by his role. His three-point percentage fell from 37.1% in 2022-23 to 35.4% for the 2023-25 season.

The struggles didn’t stop there. His effective field goal percentage tumbled from 56.6% (ninth among point guards) to 51.0% (29th), a significant dip for someone known as a lethal scorer. But that was then. Lillard now has a full year under his belt, a deeper understanding of his role, and a better feel for playing with Giannis. If Antetokounmpo and Lillard stay healthy, Milwaukee’s superstar duo will remind the league why everyone expected them to be unstoppable.

And there are rumors of strengthening the duo even more.

The Bucks eye Dante Exum to aid the superstar duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks have one goal—another championship. They’ve already proven they’re a serious contender, bouncing back from a rough start to win the 2024 NBA Cup. But if they can’t deliver in the playoffs, regular-season success means nothing. If they fall short again, expect changes.

One adjustment could be finding a reliable backup point guard, and a name to watch is Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum. Since joining the Mavs in 2023, he’s carved out a key role, standing out for his improved shooting and strong defense. This season, he’s averaging 8.8 points and 3.1 assists in just under 20 minutes per game while hitting 40.5% from deep.

At 6-foot-5, Exum brings size, defensive versatility, and playmaking—exactly the kind of depth Milwaukee could use in a deep playoff run. The Bucks are desperate to avoid another early exit, and adding a steady presence off the bench could make a difference.

Exum will hit free agency this offseason, and plenty of teams will be interested. Given their need for depth at the position, don’t be surprised if the Bucks are one of the first in line.