Jared Dudley is taking a major step forward in his post-playing career. The former Lakers forward and current Dallas Mavericks assistant is finalizing a deal to become the top assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets under newly promoted head coach David Adelman.
The coaching move drew a quick and heartfelt response from one of the game’s greatest players. LeBron James, Dudley’s former teammate during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run, took to social media with a brief but powerful message that captured their bond and Dudley’s growing respect in NBA circles.
Jared Dudley Earns Congrats From LeBron James, NBA Fans as He Joins Nuggets as Top Assistant
Dudley is set to join the Nuggets as their lead assistant coach, leaving the Mavericks after three seasons under Jason Kidd. According to ESPN, after a 14-year NBA career, the veteran coach will step in as Adelman’s lead assistant. Adelman was officially promoted to head coach earlier this offseason after Michael Malone stepped down.
Dallas Mavericks assistant Jared Dudley is finalizing a deal to become the top assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets under David Adelman, Andy Miller of Klutch Sports tells ESPN. Dudley has been on Mavs’ staff since 2021 after a 14-year NBA career. pic.twitter.com/sA5gN2yp8h
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2025
The news quickly reached James, who reacted on Instagram with a five-word message: “Congrats my brother!! Well deserved @jareddudley10.” The simple post reflected the deep mutual respect between the two and highlighted how Dudley has earned widespread credibility both as a former player and now as a rising figure in coaching.
The congratulatory message from James quickly drew attention from fans across social media. Many praised Dudley’s steady work ethic and dedication.
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One fan said, “My Nuggets cooking”
Another added, “Welcome Dudley.”
Another supporter commented, “Great signing. He’ll be at the helm of a team soon enough. Maybe the Nuggets….”
Meanwhile, another fan wrote, “congrats bro 🙌.”
Dudley played 904 regular-season games over 14 seasons, averaging 7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Known as a reliable locker-room voice, he capped his career by helping the Lakers win the 2020 NBA title. After retiring in 2021, Dudley joined the Mavericks as an assistant, gaining valuable experience during the Mavericks’ recent postseason runs, including their 2024 NBA Finals appearance.
His transition to a lead assistant role comes at a time when the Nuggets are looking to reinforce their coaching bench with battle-tested voices. The Nuggets reached the Western Conference Semifinals this past season and still feature a championship-caliber core led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Dudley’s experience both on the court and in player development could play a key role in shaping the team’s next phase.
Adelman, who was an assistant under Malone since 2017, was elevated to head coach in May after taking over interim duties during the playoffs. Bringing in Dudley signals the Nuggets’ intention to build a coaching team grounded in both familiarity and fresh insight.
James’s public praise may not be lengthy, but it’s meaningful. His support gives weight to Dudley’s new role and reflects the trust players have in him beyond the stat sheet. The move also reaffirms a recent trend in the NBA: teams prioritizing former players with high basketball IQs and strong relationships within the league for key coaching roles.
As Dudley begins his next chapter with the Nuggets, this opportunity brings him closer to potential head coaching consideration in the future. With proven success as both a player and assistant, the Nuggets’ bench could become his springboard toward an even larger role in the league.
