When you search for “Damian Lillard wife,” you’re tapping into a story that feels less like a typical celebrity tabloid and more like a nuanced, real-life drama. For NBA fans, Damian Lillard is the embodiment of “Dame Time”—the cold-blooded shooter with limitless range who spent over a decade as the heart and soul of the Portland Trail Blazers . But off the court, his identity has been deeply intertwined with another name for nearly as long: Kay’La Hanson.
For years, the phrase “Damian Lillard wife” was synonymous with Kay’La, his college sweetheart and the mother of his three children. Their journey together is a classic tale of young love growing up under the bright lights of fame, only to face the ultimate test of a changing dynamic. Today, the answer to “who is Damian Lillard wife?” comes with a different context, as the couple navigates life after divorce. This is the comprehensive story of their relationship, from a chance meeting in Utah to co-parenting in the wake of a blockbuster NBA trade.
The Beginning: How Damian Lillard Met Kay’La Hanson
To understand the foundation of this family, you have to go back to a time before the max contracts and signature sneakers. The setting wasn’t a glitzy Los Angeles nightclub or a high-profile event; it was Weber State University in Ogden, Utah . This is where the story of Damian Lillard and Kay’La Hanson truly begins.
Damian was an under-the-radar prospect from Oakland, playing for the Weber State Wildcats and hoping to prove he belonged on a bigger stage. Kay’La had moved from Las Vegas to Utah for school, focused on her own education . According to multiple accounts, they were introduced by Kay’La’s best friend, Eternity Simon Buhl . At the time, Damian was a scholarship student-athlete, and Kay’La was pursuing a pre-med degree, already demonstrating the independence and drive that would define her later life.
What started as a college connection quickly deepened. In those formative years, their relationship was built on something more substantial than just basketball fame—because there was no fame yet. Kay’La got to know the real Damian, the one grinding in the gym and in the classroom. In fact, in interviews, Damian has reflected on those early days with fondness, recalling how Kay’La, who had a car and an apartment, often took care of him . This dynamic of mutual support created a bond strong enough to survive the impending chaos of an NBA career.Damian Lillard wife
Who is Kay’La Hanson? More Than Just Damian Lillard Wife
While she is widely recognized for her connection to the NBA star, defining Kay’La Hanson solely by her relationship with Damian would be a disservice to her accomplishments. She is an entrepreneur, a registered nurse, and a dedicated mother who has worked hard to build her own identity away from the basketball court.
Early Life, Education, and Family Background
Born on November 8, 1991, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kay’La grew up in a close-knit family with a rich cultural heritage . She is of mixed ethnicity, with a Puerto Rican mother, Stephany Wright, and an African-American father, Desmond Cooper. Damian Lillard wife She has two siblings, a brother named Tyler and a sister named Kalina . After graduating from Legacy High School in 2010, she made the move to Utah to attend Weber State University, a decision that would change the course of her life .
Her commitment to education didn’t stop there. After Weber State, she pursued nursing at Nightingale College in Salt Lake City and eventually worked in healthcare administration for several years . Showing her relentless drive for self-improvement, she later began working toward a doctorate in nurse practitioner studies at the University of Portland . This pursuit of higher education, even while raising three children and managing a business, speaks volumes about her character and ambition.
From Nurse to Entrepreneur: Building the ‘DIPPED’ Brand
While nursing was her academic focus, entrepreneurship became her passion. Kay’La is the proud owner and founder of ‘DIPPED,’ a popular nail salon and beauty bar located in the Lake Oswego area of Oregon . She co-owns the business with her partner, Brittney Coleman, and it has become a staple in the local community .
DIPPED isn’t just a side project; it’s a thriving business that has garnered attention from local media and clients alike . The salon reflects Kay’La’s keen eye for aesthetics and her desire to create a space where women can feel pampered and empowered. She frequently uses her social media platforms to promote her business and share her insights on beauty and self-care, proving that she is a savvy businesswoman in her own right . It’s this blend of professional ambition and grounded family life that made her such an integral part of Damian’s world for so long.
A Decade-Long Love Story: From College Sweethearts to Mr. and Mrs.
The romance between Damian and Kay’La is the kind that feels ripped from a Hollywood script—at least until the final act. Their relationship weathered the toughest storm in professional sports: the NBA draft. When Damian was selected sixth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012, his life changed overnight, but their relationship didn’t crumble . Kay’La moved with him to Portland, providing a stable home base while he adjusted to the rigors of the league.Damian Lillard wife
For ten years, they were partners in every sense of the word. They grew up together, transitioning from college kids to parents and public figures. Damian often credited Kay’La with keeping him grounded, a steady presence amid the constant travel and pressure. She was his biggest supporter, frequently seen cheering him on from the stands, but she never seemed to crave the spotlight for herself . This balance made them one of the NBA’s most respected “power couples,” even before they officially tied the knot.
The All-Star Proposal in Chicago
After nearly a decade of dating, Damian decided it was time to make things official. True to his meticulous and dramatic nature, he chose the perfect moment to pop the question. In February 2020, during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, Damian gathered both of their families and friends for what Kay’La thought was a party .
The surprise was immaculate. The room was decorated with a massive wall of roses arranged to spell out “Will You Marry Me?” As Kay’La took in the scene, Damian got down on one knee with a stunning diamond ring . Surrounded by their loved ones, including Damian’s mentor and former teammates, Kay’La said yes. It was a fittingly grand gesture for a couple that had already built a life and a family together.
A Star-Studded Wedding in Santa Barbara
The couple finally exchanged vows on September 4, 2021, in a beautiful ceremony at the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, Santa Barbara, California . After delaying due to the pandemic, the wedding was a celebration of not just their union, but of the family they had already created.
The guest list read like a who’s who of the NBA and entertainment. Damian’s Blazers teammates, past and present, were in attendance, including CJ McCollum, Evan Turner, and Jusuf Nurkic . But the real buzz came from the musical performances. The reception was a full-blown concert, with legends like Snoop Dogg, Common, and Johnny Gill taking the stage to perform for the happy couple . Damian, never one to be shy, even joined Snoop on stage to serenade his new wife with a customized song, creating a memory that perfectly capped off their decade-long journey to the altar .
The Heart of the Family: Damian and Kay’La’s Three Children
At the center of Damian and Kay’La’s relationship, both during and after their marriage, are their three children. If you want to understand Damian Lillard the man, you have to look at him as a father. He has consistently stated that fatherhood changed his perspective on everything, putting basketball in its proper place behind his role as a dad .Damian Lillard wife
Damian Lillard Jr., Kalii, and Kali
The couple’s first child, Damian Lillard Jr., often called “Dame Jr.,” was born on March 29, 2018 . Becoming a father was a transformative experience for Damian, who has shared countless moments of bonding with his eldest son on social media.
In January 2021, the family doubled in size with the arrival of twins, a boy and a girl . Their son is named Kalii Laheem Lillard, and their daughter is named Kali Emma Lillard. Interestingly, while the spellings are similar, the pronunciations differ: Kali is pronounced “Callie,” while Kalii is pronounced “kuh-lee” . Damian famously announced the news on Instagram with a simple but proud caption: “Just call me Daddy Dame from now on” .
Here is a quick overview of the Lillard children:
| Name | Date of Birth | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Damian Lillard Jr. | March 29, 2018 | The eldest child, often called “Dame Jr.” |
| Kali Emma Lillard | January 21, 2021 | Twin daughter; pronounced “Callie” |
| Kalii Laheem Lillard | January 21, 2021 | Twin son; pronounced “kuh-lee” |
Fatherhood: “Daddy Dame” Prioritizing His Kids
For Damian Lillard, the title of father is just as important as any All-Star selection. In the wake of his divorce and trade, he opened up to reporters about the difficulty of being away from his kids. He described his life as “lonely” without his family around, emphasizing that they are what “fills him up” .
“I don’t care about [basketball] more than I care about my kids,” he told Yahoo Sports in early 2024 . Even when navigating a difficult custody battle, his primary focus has remained on being present for his children . Whether he’s spending time with them during the offseason or supporting them from afar during the season, it’s clear that being “Daddy Dame” is his most important gig.Damian Lillard wife This deep commitment to his children also shapes his approach to co-parenting with Kay’La, ensuring that their personal issues don’t disrupt the kids’ lives.
The Divorce: Why Damian Lillard and Kay’La Hanson Split
The fairy tale, unfortunately, took an unexpected turn. In late 2023, news broke that shocked many NBA fans: Damian Lillard filed for divorce from Kay’La Hanson. The timing was particularly jarring because it happened almost simultaneously with the biggest professional change of his career.
The Timing of the Split and the Milwaukee Bucks Trade
The timeline is striking. On September 27, 2023, after 11 legendary seasons, Damian Lillard was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster three-team deal . Just one week later, on October 2, 2023, he filed for divorce from Kay’La in Clackamas County Circuit Court in Oregon .
In the span of a few days, Damian’s entire world shifted. He lost the only NBA home he had ever known and, on paper, the marriage that had defined his adult life. Legal documents cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the “irremediable breakdown of their marriage” . The filing also revealed that the couple had been living in separate homes in the West Linn area of Oregon since December 2022, suggesting that the marriage had been struggling for some time before the public announcement .
Damian’s Emotional Honesty About the “Hardest Transition”
In the months following the divorce filing, Damian showed a vulnerable side that fans rarely see. He spoke candidly about the emotional toll of the past year, describing it as “probably the hardest transition in my life, all things considered” .
He acknowledged the difficulty of processing such a personal loss while also adapting to a new team and city. The divorce and custody battle were clearly weighing on him, challenging the narrative that elite athletes can simply “turn off” their personal lives when they step on the court . However, he has also been careful to handle the situation with class. He has never publicly disparaged Kay’La, consistently referring to her with respect as the mother of his children. This mature approach has been crucial in setting the stage for their next chapter.
Life After Divorce: Co-Parenting and Moving Forward
While the romantic relationship between Damian and Kay’La has ended, their partnership as parents is very much alive. The narrative has shifted from “Damian Lillard wife” to “Damian Lillard’s ex-wife and co-parent,” but the mutual respect and shared focus on their three kids remains a constant.
Co-Parenting in the Spotlight
Navigating a divorce is hard enough privately, but doing so under the microscope of the NBA media is an entirely different challenge. Both Damian and Kay’La have handled it with remarkable discretion. There have been no public spats, no tell-all interviews, and no dirty laundry aired on social media. Kay’La still shares adorable moments of their children, like when she posted photos of them dressed in “Paw Patrol” costumes at the Halloweentown Festival, showing that life goes on happily for the kids .
For his part, Damian uses his time away from the court to be with his children. While the custody arrangements are a private matter, it’s clear they are both committed to making the new dynamic work. Damian’s heartfelt admission that his life feels “lonely” without his family nearby is a poignant reminder that even superstars feel the ache of a changed family structure . This transition requires a tremendous amount of grace from both parties, ensuring the kids feel loved and stable despite the changes.
Is There a New Damian Lillard Wife?
This is the question that naturally follows any high-profile divorce, and the rumor mill has been busy. Whenever Damian is seen with a female companion or interacts with someone online, speculation runs wild. A few months after the separation, fans tried to connect him romantically with rapper GloRilla after some playful social media exchanges, but neither party confirmed the rumors, and the buzz eventually died down .
As of now, the answer remains a firm no. Damian Lillard does not have a new wife. By all accounts, he is singularly focused on two things: leading the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship and being the best possible father to his three kids. Introducing a new partner into this delicate equation doesn’t appear to be a priority. For now, the title of “Damian Lillard wife” remains vacant, and his energy is dedicated to his career and his children.
Conclusion
The story of Damian Lillard and Kay’La Hanson is a modern American saga. It began with the innocence of young love at Weber State, weathered the storm of NBA stardom, and blossomed into a beautiful family with the births of Damian Jr., Kali, and Kalii. Their wedding in 2021 felt like the ultimate victory lap for a couple that had already done everything out of order—building a life and family before the formalities.
While their marriage ultimately ended in divorce, their story isn’t a tragedy. It’s a testament to the complexity of human relationships. They grew up together, supported each other’s dreams, and created three incredible human beings in the process. Now, they are navigating the difficult but necessary transition to co-parents, a role that requires just as much teamwork as any two-person game on the court. Damian Lillard may no longer have a wife, but he and Kay’La will forever share the legacy of their family. As Damian embarks on the next phase of his Hall of Fame career with the Bucks, the foundation built during those years with Kay’La remains a core part of who he is, both as a player and as a person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Damian Lillard married to?
Damian Lillard was married to Kay’La Hanson. They were college sweethearts who began dating at Weber State University. After more than a decade together, they got married in September 2021 .
Did Damian Lillard and Damian Lillard wife have children?
Yes, Damian Lillard and his estranged wife, Kay’La Hanson, have three children together. Their names are Damian Lillard Jr. (born 2018), and twins Kali and Kalii (born 2021) .
Why did Damian Lillard and Kay’La Hanson get divorced?
Damian Lillard filed for divorce from Kay’La Hanson in October 2023, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the “irremediable breakdown of their marriage.” Court documents also revealed they had been living in separate homes since December 2022 .
When did Damian Lillard get married?
Damian Lillard and Kay’La Hanson got married on September 4, 2021. The ceremony was held in Santa Barbara, California, and featured performances by Snoop Dogg and Common .
Does Damian Lillard have a new wife or girlfriend?
As of now, Damian Lillard does not have a new wife. Following his divorce, he has been focused on his career with the Milwaukee Bucks and co-parenting his three children. have Damian Lillard wife He has not publicly confirmed any new serious relationships .
What does Kay’La Hanson do for a living?
Kay’La Hanson is an entrepreneur and registered nurse. She is the founder and owner of DIPPED, a successful nail salon and beauty bar in Lake Oswego, Oregon. She has also worked in healthcare and is pursuing a doctorate in nurse practitioner studies .
