The 2024-25 NBA Finals are almost done, meaning it's only a matter of time before the full Los Angeles Lakers offseason experience begins. There's already been plenty of buzz surrounding the Lakers as general manager Rob Pelinka prepares his draft and free agency strategies, leaving fans eager to see if he'll successfully execute that plan when the action begins.
Some of the early offseason buzz has also been centered around former Los Angeles players. Former Lakers signing Montrezl Harrell just put pen to paper for a new overseas contract, while Kendrick Nunn was named the EuroLeague Players Association MVP earlier this month.
Interestingly enough, a new rumor just popped up concerning a former Lakers forward who has transitioned into the coaching world after retiring a few years ago.
Former Lakers Forward Jared Dudley Reportedly Drawing Offseason Interest as an Assistant Coach
On Sunday, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers are eyeing former Lakers forward Jared Dudley for one of their coaching positions. The Cavs are looking to flesh out their staff after head coach Kenny Atkinson lost three assistants this offseason.
Dudley, 39, is currently an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks and has been linked to the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies since his season ended.
It isn't shocking to learn about the latest Dudley buzz given his connection to Cleveland's head coach. Atkinson spent 2016 to 2020 as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, which overlapped with Dudley's lone season in Brooklyn (2018-19). Even though the former Boston College product only made 59 appearances that season, his 25 starts along the way prove he had Atkinson's trust.
After leaving the Nets, Dudley spent the final two seasons of his NBA career playing with the Lakers. He largely only played garbage-time minutes during blowouts; however, he still played a big role on the team as a locker-room leader. Without his veteran wisdom, Los Angeles may not have won the 2020 NBA Finals.
Dudley was never the best player during his time in the Association, but his easy-to-love personality and veteran experience have made him a coveted assistant in his post-playing days. Who knows? Perhaps he'll find himself on the Lakers' payroll again one day if he continues to make the most of every coaching opportunity he gets.