LeBron James upset over Jared Dudley joining Mavericks

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Jared Dudley heads for Dallas.

The 14-year-old NBA veteran trades his sneakers for a sideline seat, joining the Dallas Mavericks as a personal assistant to head coach Jason Kidd. Dudley confirmed the news on Tuesday.

For this, LeBron James is not happy. He is happy for his boyfriend. But he’s clearly unhappy to lose the veteran who spent the last two seasons as a Lakers substitute and won a championship alongside James in 2020.

LeBron’s visceral reaction to Dudley’s departure

James expressed his feelings very clearly (using unsafe language for work) on Twitter after seeing an initial report on Dudley’s decision.

Dudley had minimal impact on the ground 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 to lose him?

Let James explain.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play with real, real pros when it comes to this role and guys who are stars in their roles, and Dudz is another one of those guys the team needs. – I mean literally, whatever the team needs – he’s ready for anything, on and off the ground, “James said in January. “And that’s a rough diamond to have for a budding baseball club. Dudz has been for us for the past two years.”

So here is. James clearly places great importance on what Dudley brings into a locker room. And the Mavericks, too, apparently. And now, Dudley is bringing that talent to the Lakers’ Western Conference rival.

LeBron James # 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives Jared Dudley # 10 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and / or using this photograph, user accepts the terms and conditions of the Getty Images license agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves / Getty Images)

LeBron James will miss Jared Dudley. (Photo by Michael Reaves / Getty Images)

Dudley appeared to be on the verge of leaving Los Angeles, regardless of his decision to join Dallas. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported last week that pending roster trades signify the likely end of Dudley’s time as a player for the Lakers. But James apparently didn’t realize he was joining the Mavs bench.

Dudley’s feelings for James and the Lakers seem mutual. His Twitter bio on Tuesday still read: “It is a privilege and an honor to be a part of Laker Nation!” And he announced his retirement as a player with a shout out to James and the Lakers.

In the end, it looks like James would have preferred the Lakers to find a role for Dudley to keep him at home.

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