Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) and assistant coach Jason Kidd talk during a time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Los Angeles won 125-110. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Mavericks have officially agreed to a deal with Jason Kidd to be the team’s new head coach.
LeBron James is sad to see Jason Kidd leave the Los Angeles Lakers bench but he’s also thrilled for him to be the new head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.
Kidd and the Mavericks agreed to a deal to become the head coach in a move that came together quickly after the team parted ways with Rick Carlisle. Even Carlisle was among those in Kidd’s camp who vouched for the former Mavericks draft pick and champion to be the next head coach.
After being a Lakers assistant since 2019, LeBron has got to know Kidd very well and is happy for him to get his third crack at a head coaching gig. Mavericks fans are hoping the third time is the charm for Kidd who has a career losing record with stints with the Nets and Bucks.
LeBron James reacts to Jason Kidd taking Mavericks job
Kidd was drafted by the Mavericks out of Cal and played in Dallas from 1994-1996 when he and Jimmy Jackson were counted on being the future of the moribund organization. It didn’t work out that way, but Kidd returned to Dallas in 2008 and was part of the championship team that beat the Miami Heat and LeBron in 2011.
Kidd has enjoyed a good relationship with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban as well as Dirk Nowitzki who works as a special assistant with the organization and Michael Finley who is Vice President of Basketball Operations.
The hiring of Kidd should be greatly endorsed by franchise superstar Luka Dončić. Kidd was a triple-double machine as a player and should help develop Dončić’s ability to take his game to the next level. Kidd never had the shooting ability that Dončić already possesses, so the potential is there for Kidd to harness his unlimited potential as a ball-handler, facilitator and play-maker while also giving him a better grasp on his court vision and leading a team.
Luka Dončić should be thrilled the Mavericks hired Jason Kidd
This is a great hire for Mavericks fans hoping their franchise player remains happy and wants to stay in Dallas for the duration of his career.
The hiring of Kidd and the hiring of Nike executive Nico Harrison who was the point person for the Mavericks and Dončić is fostering an environment designed to maximize Dončić’s potential and build an organization around him.