Jason Kidd is “very excited” about becoming an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers and says the chance to coach LeBron James played a key role in his decision.
Kidd will be Frank Vogel's lead assistant coach on the Lakers. The Hall of Famer and James were teammates on USA Basketball and have a strong rapport with one another.
Talked to Jason Kidd. He is “very excited” and feels this is a special opportunity. The chance to coach LeBron after teaming up together for USA Basketball played a key role in his decision to join the #Lakers, as did the chance to work with what he believes is an enticing roster
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 13, 2019
After his Hall of Fame playing career ended, Kidd coached the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks. Kidd was fired by Milwaukee midway through the 2017-18 season. The Lakers are hoping Kidd can help develop the game of point guard Lonzo Ball.
In his first season with the Lakers, LeBron put up amazing numbers as usual, but it didn't lead the franchise to the playoffs. The left groin injury James suffered on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors cost him 17 games and the team was never able to recover from it.
The Lakers haven't made the playoffs since 2013. Vogel guided the Pacers to the postseason four times and had some battles with James when The King was on the Miami Heat with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The Purple and Gold are praying Vogel and Kidd can co-exist and help the Lakers make the playoffs in the rugged Western Conference.
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