Will Jared Dudley Return to the Lakers as an Assistant Coach for the Upcoming Season?

The Los Angeles Lakers management under Rob Pelinka has been busy in the off-season. There have been 12 incomings so far to their roster. 13 players have left as well in trades and free agency. But they also plan to bolster their coaching staff. Bally Sports Network’s Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson has reported that the Lakers are in for an assistant coach and Jared Dudley’s name is popping up.

The Lakers already have four assistant coaches on their roster alongside head coach Frank Vogel. The four assistant coaches of the Lakers are Phil Handy, Miles Simon, Mike Penberthy, and Quinton Crawford.

Dec 13, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jared Dudley (10) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

However, it is being reported that Rob Pelinka wants another assistant coach on the Lakers’ roster ahead of the 2021-22 season. Jared Dudley, who spent the last two seasons at the LA-based franchise, could be the next assistant coach of the team.

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Jared Dudley to join Los Angeles Lakers coaching staff?

According to Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, Los Angeles Lakers are in search of an assistant coach. Jared Dudley is the one who could be the fifth assistant coach of the Lakers in the coming season.

Lakers are in the market for one more assistant coach for 21-22 season.

Frank Vogel & Rob Pelinka have been making calls far & wide for relatable, recently retired players I am told.

A name that I’m hearing is Jared Dudley who ‘makes a heckuva lot’ of sense.

We shall see.

— Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) August 18, 2021

After spending his NBA career at six different franchises, Jared signed with Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year contract in 2019. He helped the team in winning their first championship in a decade. In fact, it was Frank Vogel’s first season as the Lakers head coach. Dudley played 45 regular-season games and 9 post-season games in his only championship-winning season. ”

However, he started just one game throughout the season. He averaged 1.5 PPG, 1.2 RPG, and .6 APG. Last season, after re-signing, Dudley played just 14 games and spend most of his time on the bench. The Lakers then decided to not extend his contract for an additional season.

Jun 1, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts as he walks between celebrating Phoenix Suns players in the first half during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters

As Jared Dudley’s contract ended with the Lakers, it was certain that he would leave. The Lakers tried to fill their roster with experienced players and backups who could help LeBron James and Anthony Davis bringing the championship home.

However, Jared Dudley didn’t fit in with Frank Vogel’s plan as a player. However, now Jared Dudley could make his coaching debut in the coming season. It’ll interesting to see if Jared ends up on the Laker’s roster as a coach alongside Vogel.

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