Jason Kidd re-signs with Dallas Mavericks: Who will be the new Lakers coach?

The Dallas Mavericks has agreed a new multi-year contract with Jason Kidd, tying down the coveted head coach as he nears the end of his third season with the team.

ESPN had reported that Kidd was being considered by the LA Lakers as they search for a replacement for Darvin Ham. Kidd spent two years as assistant coach with the Lakers from 2019-2021, winning the 2020 NBA championship. This contract extension will keep him in Dallas for the foreseeable future and helps provide stability as the Mavs continue their 2024 playoff journey.

“I have known Jason for a long time, and I cannot think of a better, more qualified candidate to lead this team going forward,” Mavs general manager Nico Harrison said. “As a former NBA Champion Hall of Fame player, Jason brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role which cannot be duplicated.”

“He has earned the trust and respect of our players and that of so many across the league, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to build upon the culture and foundation of success he’s helped foster throughout his tenure as head coach.”

Will JJ Redick be the new Lakers head coach?

After parting ways with Darvin Ham the Lakers desperately need a hit with his replacement. They exited in the first round of the playoffs this season, falling to a 4-1 series loss against the Denver Nuggets, and have been overly-reliant on the aging LeBron James during the 2023/24 season.

With Kidd now unattainable, the Lakers are reportedly considering a move for former NBA player and current podcast sensation JJ Redick. The 39-year-old only retired from the professional Game in 2021 but he has built a significant media presence in recent years, most notably co-hosting the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast with LeBron James.

Reddick has no experience as a coach but was considered an intelligent and confident player during his time in the NBA. Appointing Redick would be a major gamble for the Lakers but it does bring certain upsides.

LeBron James has the option of one more year on his $162 million Lakers contract and the decision to activate it lies in the player’s hands. The Lakers will be desperate to convince James to stay for one final season and bringing in a head coach that knows him well could help that effort.