Newly acquired assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks, Jared Dudley, says he “thought he was coming back to the Lakers” in a new interview. Dudley was quoted saying:
“I thought I was coming back to the Lakers, this is crazy. Obviously Lebron and A.D. wanted me back, but we just couldn’t convince them.”
Jared Dudley
A fresh start
Jared Dudley is now leaving the Lakers after a two-year stint. He can reunite with Dallas Mavericks’ newly acquired head coach Jason Kidd. Dudley has always been an amazing locker room addition. He has nurtured great relationships with players while on a multitude of different teams. His influence in the locker room with the 2019 Brooklyn Nets and 2020 Los Angeles Lakers was a large part of their success. With Dudley, the Nets exceeded expectations, and the Lakers were able to win an NBA championship.
Dudley now has the ability to bring his locker room presence and leadership to a team that is in crucial need of it. Further, he can now mentor one of the biggest rising stars in the league, Luka Doncic.
Going seperate ways
It is clear that by the Lakers not resigning Dudley; they were trying to keep the team young and fresh. Further, they can retain a roster spot. The Lakers are already an old veteran team constructed, and adding younger players is their top priority. However, Dudley believes otherwise. In the interview, Dudley stated:
“I told them, you�re valuing youth more than a locker room presence guy. I said, �I respect you for doing that, but I think you�re wrong.”
Jared Dudley
With the Lakers’ ultimate goal of winning a championship this upcoming season, it makes sense why they let go of Dudley. Although, their own stars wanted to retain him.
Even though Jared Dudley’ thought he was coming back to the Lakers, he may be better suited in an assistant coaching position.
Dudley brings so much to the table as a player in the locker room. But, at the age of 36, receiving this offer as an assistant head coach may be a blessing in disguise. Dudley may now be able to lengthen his career in the NBA.
