When the NBA season was suspended indefinitely back in March, it gave sports fans a new appreciation for video games, including the already-popular NBA 2K series.
With this new momentum, on Tuesday, the popular video game franchise revealed its 2K21 current-generation cover athlete: Damian Lillard. The decision was announced with a clever parody of a SportsCenter, declaring "Everything is Dame" with an immersive media experience showcasing the Portland Trail Blazers guard as a QVC salesman, cologne model, weatherman and more.
"This is a special moment for me in my NBA career," the five-time NBA All-Star, said in a statement. "I've been a fan of NBA 2K for years and love how they represent all aspects of basketball culture. I'm an avid 2K player, so I'm honored to join the other NBA greats who have been on the cover. I'm grateful to all my fans and can't wait for everyone to experience the game later this year."
Lillard has made the playoffs six times in his eight-year career. He was named the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year after being drafted as the sixth overall pick out of Weber State. He is the Trail Blazers' first player to be on the cover of 2K.
Lillard has also made a name for himself off the court as the rapper Dame D.O.L.L.A. Music has kept him busy while the NBA is on hold. He's released a handful of singles and revamped his popular #4BarFriday Instagram series with beats provided by Boi-1da, Hit-Boy and other elite producers. He has three albums on his resume, the most recent being 2019's "Big D.O.L.L.A."
2K is expected to reveal two more cover athletes for 2K21 this week for the next-generation and legends editions.
NBA 2K21 is available for pre-order July 2.