After a 14-year career in the NBA, Jared Dudley is ending his tenure as a player, but he’s about to start a new chapter.
The Dallas Mavericks hired Dudley to join Jason Kidd’s staff as an assistant coach; Kidd was an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers for the last two seasons, but Dallas snagged him for their head coaching vacancy.
The move ended Dudley’s two-year stint with the Lakers, which included a championship run in his first season with the franchise.
Though his second season wasn’t as fruitful because of a serious knee injury, he became revered for his leadership on the sidelines.
There was speculation the Lakers could keep Dudley in a front-office or coaching role since his playing days seemed to be over, but that won’t be the case.
Dudley revealed what he’ll take away from his time with the organization in a Twitter response to a fan:
Laker nation is insane 🔥🙌🏽 , Championship, playing with Bron and AD! https://t.co/NOI1EelFi9
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 25, 2021
Dudley mentioned playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two players he personally thanked in a farewell post shortly after the news became official.
James reacted to the news on Twitter and definitely seemed upset Dudley is leaving for a new team, but he’s still happy for his good friend.
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