The Dallas Mavericks are making waves in the NBA offseason with reports indicating their intention to hire a former Los Angeles Lakers coach who brings championship pedigree to the franchise. This move signals the Mavericks’ ambition to elevate their team to championship contention, leveraging the experience and leadership of a proven winner. The decision comes at a crucial time for the Mavericks, who have been building around superstar Luka Dončić and are eager to take the next step toward securing another NBA title.
The coach in question, whose name has not yet been officially confirmed but is widely speculated to be a high-profile figure from the Lakers’ storied history, brings a wealth of experience in managing elite talent and navigating the pressures of playoff basketball. Given the Mavericks’ recent playoff struggles despite Dončić’s brilliance, hiring a coach with championship DNA could be the missing piece that transforms Dallas into a legitimate Finals contender.
Why This Hire Makes Sense for Dallas
The Mavericks have been a competitive team in the Western Conference for several years, largely due to the transcendent play of Dončić, who has established himself as one of the best players in the league. However, postseason success has eluded them, with early exits becoming a frustrating trend. While former head coach Jason Kidd led the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2022, the Mavericks have since failed to replicate that deep playoff run. Bringing in a coach who has not only been to the mountaintop but has also led teams through the grueling journey of an NBA championship could provide the stability and strategic edge Dallas needs.
A former Lakers coach with championship experience likely understands the nuances of managing superstar egos, optimizing roster construction, and making critical in-game adjustments—all areas where the Mavericks have room for improvement. The Lakers, as one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, have employed some of the game’s greatest coaching minds, from Pat Riley to Phil Jackson, and more recently, Frank Vogel, who led them to a title in the 2020 NBA Bubble. Whoever the Mavericks are targeting, their track record of winning at the highest level suggests they can instill a winning culture in Dallas.
The Impact on Luka Dončić
One of the most intriguing aspects of this hiring will be the dynamic between the new coach and Dončić. The Slovenian phenom is the face of the franchise and one of the most dominant offensive forces in the league, but there have been questions about whether the Mavericks have done enough to maximize his prime years. A championship-experienced coach could be the perfect mentor to help Dončić refine his leadership, improve his defensive engagement, and manage the wear and tear of an 82-game season.
Historically, the greatest players in NBA history—Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James—all had coaches who knew how to challenge them while also putting them in positions to succeed. If the Mavericks’ new hire can establish that kind of relationship with Dončić, it could unlock another level in his game. Additionally, a coach with championship credibility may also help in recruiting high-level free agents, something the Mavericks have struggled with in recent years despite having a generational talent on their roster.
Potential Candidates
While the Mavericks have yet to confirm the identity of their new coach, several former Lakers coaches fit the description of having championship experience. Frank Vogel, who led the Lakers to the 2020 title, is an obvious candidate. Known for his defensive schemes and ability to manage superstar personalities (having coached LeBron James and Anthony Davis), Vogel could bring much-needed structure to Dallas. His defensive mindset would complement Dončić’s offensive brilliance, potentially making the Mavericks a more balanced team.
Another name that could be in consideration is Phil Jackson, though his return to coaching seems unlikely given his age and prolonged absence from the sidelines. However, even in an advisory role, his championship wisdom could be invaluable. Alternatively, the Mavericks might be looking at assistant coaches from the Lakers’ championship runs, such as Brian Shaw or Kurt Rambis, though their head coaching experience is limited.
If the Mavericks opt for a more recent Lakers connection, Darvin Ham, who coached the team until 2024, could also be a candidate. Though his tenure with the Lakers had mixed results, he has experience working under pressure in a high-stakes environment.
What This Means for the Mavericks’ Roster
Hiring a championship-winning coach often precedes roster upgrades, as players are more inclined to join a team with strong leadership. The Mavericks have been active in reshaping their squad, most notably by acquiring Kyrie Irving in a blockbuster trade last season. However, the fit between Irving and Dončić has been inconsistent, and a seasoned coach could be the key to unlocking their full potential as a duo.
Additionally, Dallas has several role players who could benefit from a more defined system. A coach with championship experience typically knows how to utilize role players effectively—something the Mavericks have struggled with in recent years. Whether it’s maximizing the potential of young players like Josh Green or integrating new acquisitions seamlessly, the right coach can make a significant difference.
