LeBron James is really not happy about Jared Dudley's departure to Mavs bench
Jared Dudley is headed to Dallas.
The 14-year NBA veteran is trading his sneakers for a sideline seat, joining the Dallas Mavericks as an assistant on head coach Jason Kidd's staff. Dudley confirmed the news on Tuesday.
I been preparing this moment for a long time! From deep talks With Nash, Hill, Shaq, Bron, Booker, Beal, AD, Giannis the list goes on.. Very excited to Join the MAVS and JKidd staff! Perfect fit and opportunity… Time to get to work
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 24, 2021
For this, LeBron James is not pleased. He's happy for his guy. But he's demonstrably displeased about losing the veteran who spent the last two seasons as a Lakers backup and won a championship alongside James in 2020.
LeBron's visceral reaction to Dudley's departure
James made his feelings abundantly clear (using not-safe-for-work language) on Twitter after seeing an early report on Dudley's decision.
Congrats to my guy if this true, which is probably is! But 🤦🏾♂️ man!! FUCK 🗣🗣🗣🗣🗣🗣🗣🗣🗣🗣
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2021
Dudley made a minimal impact on the floor in Los Angeles. In two seasons, he played 7.8 minutes per game in 57 appearances, averaging 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per appearance. So why is James so upset about losing him?
Let James explain.
"Dudz is one of those guys, no matter what the team needs... he's ready for whatever. That's a diamond in the rough for a championship team." LeBron on the impact of @JaredDudley619. pic.twitter.com/3Abaruhzc3
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 9, 2021
"I've been fortunate enough to play with some real, real true professionals when it comes to that role and guys that are stars in their role, and Dudz is another one of those guys that whatever the team needs — I mean literally, whatever the team needs — he is ready for whatever both on and off the floor," James said in January. "And that is a diamond in the rough to have for a championship-aspiring ball club. Dudz has been that for us the last two years."
So, yeah. James clearly places a high value on what Dudley brings to a locker room. And so do the Mavericks, apparently. And now Dudley's taking those talents to the Lakers' Western Conference rival.
Dudley appeared to be on his way out of Los Angeles regardless of his decision to join Dallas. Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported last week that pending roster transactions meant the likely end of Dudley's time as as a player for the Lakers. But James apparently didn't get the heads up that he was joining the Mavs bench.
Dudley's feelings for James and the Lakers appear mutual. His Twitter bio on Tuesday still read: "It’s a privilege and honor to be a part of Laker Nation!" And he announced his retirement as a player with a shoutout to James and the Lakers.
Man what a ride! 14 yr NBA career capped off by winning a NBA championship with the @Lakers! Just want to thank GOD for blessing me, also want to personally thank @KingJames @AntDavis23 @JeanieBuss and the Lakers organization,Without Bron and AD I don’t join LAL or wing a 💍
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 24, 2021
In the end, it sounds like James would have preferred that the Lakers found a role for Dudley to keep him in house.
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