By Shaniece Nicole (IG: @shaniece_nicole_)
Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard is stepping in the ring wearing some heat. The seasoned baller flexed his custom Dame 8 boxing shoes, courtesy of his partnership with Gatorade for his training session with boxer Ryan García to promote Gatorlyte.
The Oakland native is known for his diverse training in the off-season. Lillard is not afraid to step outside of the typical regime for athletes. Leading up to the 2021-2022 season, he would box every day getting up at 7 AM to weight lift and condition, then get into his boxing routine shortly after.
In an interview on ESPN’s NBA Countdown, he details how boxing has impacted his play on the court.
“The fact that it is three minute rounds, and you have to keep moving, my legs don’t wear out,” Lillard said. “I feel like I’ve been able to shoot the ball from deep because my shoulders are broader now.”
The six-time NBA All-star is no lightweight when it comes to putting his best foot forward.
His signature side-step 3-pointer is equivalent to a step-back and counter-right in boxing. From his game-winning step-back three with 13 seconds left against the Golden State Warriors to his superb separation against any opponent; Dame Dolla has always put himself in the best position to counter. The underdog is poised, calculated, and prominent making him perfect to represent Gatorade’s newest drink Gatorlyte.
Gatorlyte is a re-hydration drink that proclaims to be lower in sugar and has an electrolyte formula blend that encourages rapid re-hydration. As we watch Lillard “throw hands” in the latest ad for Gatorlyte via social media, we notice that there is a pep in his step, he’s moving with grace, and he’s more jovial than he’s ever been.
By promoting iconic brands like Gatorlyte along with others such as Adidas, Toyota, and his newly founded brand “Move in Soles,” greatness is in Lillard’s DNA and proving he is renaissance personified.
