Jason Kidd will reportedly have a “prominent assistant coaching role” with the Lakers

Back while the California Golden Bears were struggling through the 2018–19 season—and while we were looking for a head coach to replace Wyking Jones—there was some talk/wishful thinking that Jason Kidd might come home to lead the Bears. Cal decided on Mark Fox and news broke today that Kidd will remain in the NBA as a member of Frank Vogel’s staff on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jason Kidd has also agreed to a deal to become a prominent assistant coach on Vogel’s staff, league sources said.

The Lakers are enthusiastic about the prospect of Kidd working with point guard Lonzo Ball on a full-time basis. Kidd also has a strong relationship and history with LeBron James; the two were former teammates for USA Basketball.

Kidd was a local product—born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland and Alameda. Kidd suited up in the blue and gold for two seasons (1992–94), earned various all-conference and all-American honors, and led the Bears to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Cal retired Kidd’s jersey in 2004 in honor of his legendary career here.

After many years in the NBA (1994–2013), Kidd turned to coaching—one year with the Brooklyn Nets (2013–14) and nearly four with the Milwaukee Bucks (2014–18), although he was fired midseason. He has a career coaching win–loss record of 183–190 in the regular season and 9–15 in the playoffs.

Congrats and good luck to Jason Kidd!