The Los Angeles Lakers hired JJ Redick as the team’s head coach on Thursday. Redick reportedly has a number of former players he wants to add to his coaching staff, including Dallas Mavericks assistant Jared Dudley. So how do the Mavs feel about the Lakers’ potential interest in Dudley?

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dallas is not exactly thrilled about the idea of losing Dudley.

“League sources say Dallas is intent on retaining Jared Dudley, who is a key figure on Jason Kidd’s coaching staff. It’s been known for some time, as reported in this May 27 piece, that the Lakers would want to pursue Dudley for a JJ Redick coaching staff,” Stein wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The Mavs appreciate everything Dudley offers the team. The 38-year-old has played a pivotal role on Jason Kidd’s coaching staff, which is something Stein mentioned.

Dudley played in the NBA from 2007-2021. He spent his final two seasons in the league with the Lakers. Dudley’s familiarity with LA and Redick’s rumored interest in him would make LA seem like a possible fit. But the Mavericks clearly want to keep Dudley in Dallas.

JJ Redick wants former NBA talent to join him
In addition to Dudley, Redick is reportedly interested in Rajon Rondo and Sam Cassell among others. The new Lakers coach clearly has a plan in place.

Of course, finding success in Los Angeles has proven to be difficult in recent seasons. Many head coaches have struggled to maintain winning over the past few years. The Lakers have displayed a willingness to move on rather swiftly as well.

So what can we expect from a first-time NBA head coach?

Well, JJ Redick has expressed a desire to coach at the NBA level. His passion is respectable, but does not guarantee success. We have seen other first-time NBA head coaches silence their critics and lead their teams to new heights, however, so perhaps Redick will help the Lakers contend moving forward.

It will be interesting to see if everyone he wants ends up joining his coaching staff. Convincing Dudley to leave the Mavs may be difficult given Dallas’ rumored desire to keep him.

Mavericks do not want to lose Jared Dudley
Dudley enjoyed a strong NBA career. He was not a superstar but he established a reputation as a respected veteran.

Dudley has not taken much time off between playing and coaching. In fact, he immediately joined the Mavs in 2021 after announced his retirement. Dudley now has valuable coaching experience and could emerge as a head coaching candidate for a team at some point down the road.

For now, Jared Dudley is unquestionably a coveted assistant head coach. The Mavericks will need to work hard to keep Dudley, as joining a team he once played for may appeal to him. With that being said, the Mavs are the better team right now. Dallas reached the NBA Finals in 2024 and despite falling short, the future is bright in Dallas.

The thought of being apart of a championship team will also catch Dudley’s attention. Of course, Redick and the Lakers may pitch that angle to him as well. However, the Lakers have work to do in order to build a championship-caliber roster.