USA Today via Reuters
Dec 13, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jared Dudley (10) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 13, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jared Dudley (10) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers over the past few years have had a reputation for being an aging team in the NBA. Led by superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers often resort to signing veterans in a minimum deal to fill out their roster.
It has been the same case this season as well. Bringing in Russell Westbrook in a massive trade, the Lakers have signed multiple ex-players like Dwight Howard to their roster. Despite making so many moves this off-season, the Lakers still have three roster spots left in their squad.
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Dallas Mavericks to sign former Lakers’ veteran
One of the key veterans in the Lakers’ side for the last two years has been Jared Dudley. While Dudley did not get regular playing time, he was an essential player in the locker room.
While it seemed the Lakers might have re-signed the 36-year-old, Dudley might be headed for a change in his role. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are closing in on the veteran.
The Mavericks are in advanced discussions to hire 14-year NBA veteran Jared Dudley as an assistant coach, league sources say.
Dudley spent the last two seasons as a key locker-room voice with the Lakers and won a championship in 2020.
More NBA from me: https://t.co/LGN9cVpeGP
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 24, 2021
According to Stein, the Lakers’ veteran is being pursued for a role as an assistant coach for Luka Doncic and Co. next season. Given that the Mavericks earlier this summer brought in Jason Kidd from the Purple and Gold, a deal for Dudley should not be a surprise for the Mavs fans.
With the duo spending majority of their time in the sidelines, Dudley and Kidd surely have a good relation in place. This move could prove to be a win-win for both sides. With Dudley as an assistant coach, the Mavs will have a much-needed vocal leader in the coaching staff.
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Given how important he was for LeBron James and Co. in the bubble despite not featuring on the court, Dudley is a brilliant signing as an assistant coach. As for the Lakers, they can utilise their remaining roster spots in a much better manner now.
Signing players who will feature on the court and make an impact, the Lakers can add depth to their side. Although the Purple and Gold will miss Dudley’s leadership, Frank Vogel and Co. will hope that the signed veterans can compensate for the same. What do you think of this move? Let us know in the comments section below.
