Jason Kidd penned a thank-you message to the Los Angeles Lakers after being announced as the next head coach of the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
“These last two years with the Lakers have been incredible,” Kidd wrote. “From front office to coaching staff to players, I have learned so much from so many peolpe including Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka, Frank Vogel and Kurt Rambis. What a great ride, including a championship, in one of the most trying seasons we have ever faced.”
Kidd was a valued assistant coach as the Lakers navigate the bubble and earned their 17th NBA championship in 2019-20. After spending another season on the Los Angeles bench, Mark Cuban tapped the Hall of Fame point guard to replace Rick Carlisle and steward a contender around Luka Doncic.
Thank you @Lakers @JeanieBuss for the last two years and the opportunity to grow as a coach. Our championship season was unforgettable. Thrilled to return to the @dallasmavs organization and begin another chapter @mcuban! #MFFL pic.twitter.com/HN1FacKTzY
— Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) June 28, 2021
Kidd won his only championship as a player with Dallas, helping Dirk Nowitzki defeat LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the 2011 Finals.
Before the Lakers gig, Kidd coached the Brooklyn Nets for one season (2013-14) and the Milwaukee Bucks for four years (2014-18). His squads posted a record of 183-190 in the regular season and 9-15 in the playoffs.
Kidd's name had surfaced in multiple coaching searches this summer, though his history of domestic abuse was seen as a possible red flag.
Following the Lakers' exit interviews, Frank Vogel and Rob Pelinka praised Kidd for his contributions and strongly endorsed him for a head coaching job.
“Jason has become one of my closest friends, really a trusted advisor on my coaching staff and someone that has just been integral to our success over the last two years,” Vogel said. “He should be at the top of everybody’s list that has an opening in the NBA.”
Vogel complimented Kidd's dedication to learning the nitty-gritty of the job, including preparing scouting reports and detailed film study.
“I think him taking the route of wanting to learn the steps of the assistant coaching role after going right from his playing career to a head coaching career and really just rolling his sleeves up and focusing on the work over the last two years has been great for his career,” the Lakers head coach said. “He’s carried himself with a great of humility over the last few years, and I really think he’s going to be in a position of strength with the next opportunity that he gets.”
Pelinka called Kidd “a 10 out of 10,” as a lead assistant. Jeanie Buss replied to Kidd's message and wished him luck in Dallas.
Jason – Congratulations on the @dallasmavs job. We all appreciated the work you did to help bring @Lakers #17!! We wish the best but will compete hard on the court. And to @mcuban – well done 👍 https://t.co/FT7AOyHfPr
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) June 28, 2021
LeBron, who won a gold medal alongside Kidd at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, shared his bittersweet feelings about the Mavs' hire.
Damn I hate to lose JKidd man but damn I’m happy for him at the same time! Good luck Kidd!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 25, 2021
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