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Two weeks ago the Lakers were unable to sign Ty Lue has the head coach of the team because he was vehemently against the team hiring Jason Kidd as an assistant coach.
According to a person close to the Lakers management, through the negotiation process the Lakers developed concerns about Lue’s fit with the organization. Part of those concerns stemmed from Lue’s disagreement with the Lakers about who would be on his staff. While they agreed on Vogel, they disagreed on Jason Kidd, whom the Lakers insisted he include. They also balked at Lue’s counter to the three-year deal the offered.
Eventually, the Lakers ended up signing former Pacers head coach Frank Vogel to replace Luke Walton and brought on Kidd as an assistant.
ESPN story on the Lakers hiring of Frank Vogel as coach — with Jason Kidd on his staff. https://t.co/83OghjkpNJ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 11, 2019
According to a report from Steve Popper of NewsDay someone involved in the Lakers process told him the team signed Kidd because of his previous relationship with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo
There is speculation that Jason Kidd was brought to LA in an attempt to attract Giannis to the Lakers when he becomes a free agent in 2 Years, per @Newsday.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 19, 2019
Via NewsDay
“It is just speculation right now, but one person asked me if I knew why Kidd was there and as I guessed at his relationship with LeBron James or his ability to tutor Lonzo Ball, the person familiar with the Lakers process said something else: that Kidd was brought to Los Angeles to attract Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers when he becomes a free agent in two years when the Bucks star could become an unrestricted free agent.”
When Kidd was fired in Milwaukee Giannis talked about his relationship with his former coach.
“He was a big part of my success,” “He trusted me, he put the ball in my hands, he motivated me on a daily basis, he pushed me to be great and not to be mediocre.
“I was 19 when he came and he said he was going to put the ball in my hands. The first time I wasn’t ready. I told him, ‘Coach, I’m not ready to create and make plays for the team.’ He said, ‘OK, we’re going to take our time.’ The next year, he put the ball in my hands and I was ready.
I seriously doubt that Kidd would be able to lure Giannis away from Milwaukee but it wouldn’t hurt to have him in the room when they’re pitching Giannis to join the Lakers in two years.