Jason Kidd thanks Lakers for opportunity while departing for Mavericks

LeBron James and Frank Vogel made it clear last week that they’re going to miss working with former Lakers assistant coach Jason Kidd, who officially departed to become the next head coach of the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.

And in two tweets he put out shortly after the Mavericks announced his hiring, Kidd made it clear that the appreciation for his time in Los Angeles was mutual:

“These last two years with the Lakers have been incredible. From front office to coaching staff to players, I have learned so much from so many people including Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka, Frank Vogel and Kurt Rambis. What a great ride, including a championship, in one of the most trying seasons we have ever faced.”

Buss reciprocated Kidd’s gratitude on Twitter:

Most of the names Kidd is thanking here are hardly surprising, but most notable is Lakers senior basketball advisor Kurt Rambis continually getting shoutouts in public endorsements of the Lakers’ front office. In Kidd’s case that may be more personal gratitude, as according to reports from the time, it was Rambis who pushed so hard for Kidd to be on Frank Vogel’s staff. Nevertheless, while how much power Rambis has exactly in his current role is unknown, this is yet another reinforcement that he is indeed a big part of the team’s braintrust.

Also worth pointing out here are the names that weren’t in the statement. Not because Kidd snubbed anyone or anything like that, but because of his thanks for the entire coaching staff (even while not naming anyone specifically). Remember, over the weekend it was reported that Kidd might try and take a few of his now-former co-workers with him to build his staff with the Mavericks. While this statement isn’t necessarily any grand indication that he intends to do so, how many holes the Lakers will have to fill on their bench is something worth continuing to monitor as the offseason continues.

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