Looks like buds to me too! Sure, they can flower direct from the nursery. Nurseries here often sell them in full bloom....if they aren't sold out already. Flowering depends on the maturity of the plant, not when it is planted.

I’m afraid the picture is so out if focus I can’t see if there are flower buds or just reddish new growth. Any chance of a better photo?

if possible.. it should be 4 to 6 feet further from the house ...

here is how big Ls can get: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=lilac+shrubs&t=ffnt&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images

and even the dwarf ones get pretty wide.. though not as tall ...

ken