The hiring of Frank Vogel came to the chagrin of many Los Angeles Lakers fans hoping either Tyronn Lue, Monty Williams, or Jason Kidd were hired for the job. The Lakers were impressed with Kidd and decided to bring him along as an assistant coach, something that soon emerged as a point of conversation for those who thought Vogel would be ousted by his assistant over time.
Forward Jared Dudley is among those who believe that won't happen, arguing that the Lakers have found a harmonious family approach:
“Some people might be saying (Kidd) is gunning for his job, (but) I see a family approach. I see them laughing. I see Vogel laughing with Kidd and Lionel Hollins,” said Dudley, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. “You see how they all have their own role. …Obviously Vogel’s a big defensive guy, (so) you have (him) breaking down the opponents. Phil Handy (who is very popular among NBA stars and who took part in the last five Finals), going over certain personnel. (You have) Jason Kidd, because of familiarity with certain players. … When he speaks offense you’re more keen. You’d think that would be a little rocky trying to figure people out man, but he’s a player’s coach. He asks for opinions. He said ‘This is what I like to do, what are your guys’ views on it, and eventually he makes a decision.’”
The worst plague for a team is role envy. Whether that is a substitute wanting a starting job, a starter wanting more minutes, a player seeking more shots, or an assistant wanting the head coaching job. Dudley thinks Kidd accepted this position with the Lakers with a completely different vision, willing to learn from other coaches and better his craft at this, his new profession after years of playing.
“I think that (Kidd) is more keen to listen (in this role compared to the Bucks,” said Dudley. “The first thing he ever told me was like, man, ‘Phil Handy’s really good.’ That was the first thing he even told me. …And that ended up being the truth, so yeah, he’s joking around more with players – come on, he’s a player. And he knows that for him to get back to his goal — I think that’s everyone, every assistant wants to be a head coach — you have to take steps to get back up there.
“So for me, I couldn’t even imagine it even getting better. I was just shocked how smooth of a transition it was, not only for the coaching staff but for the coaching staff relating to the players. I think it’s been phenomenal.”
Kidd took a big hit when he was ousted from his role as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, despite the unending support from his star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dudley knows it will be a process for him to get back to where he hopes to be, and judging by a league-leading 14-2 record, the Lakers front office have no reason to make a change in the sidelines. After all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
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