The off-season’s been pouring headline hits like happy hour—Durant drama, Bane bags, Lakers’ $10B splash, LeBron James’ future still on simmer. But while the blockbusters steal the spotlight, it’s the quiet movers that end up shifting the league’s tone. Case in point: Jared Dudley. The former Lakers glue guy has been grinding behind the curtain, and now he’s rising fast on the coaching ladder. No noise, no flash—just impact. It’s the kind of under-the-radar career leap that doesn’t just rewrite resumes, it reshapes locker rooms.

“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,” wrote Shams Charania. The former Lakers star finally gets his time to shine in the spotlight. Being one of the assistants to Jason Kidd in Dallas was good, for sure. But the top assistant job, next to a fresh face in David Adelman in Denver? That’s massive. And Bron being the W ex-teammate didn’t shy from letting his boy know his pride.

“Congrats my brother!! Well deserved @jareddudley10👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾,” wrote the King on his Instagram stories.

It’s peak Adelman that he saw a promising playoffs run and thought “not enough, that ring’s our destiny soon.” Dudley, 39, came into the league as a first-round pick by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2007. He stuck around for 14 seasons, putting up 7.3 points and 3.2 rebounds a night over 904 games. Never the loudest name in the room, but always showed up, did his job, and earned respect doing it. Oh, and a ring of his own with the Lakers in 2020. His teammate? LeBron James.

But that’s a thing of the past now. It’s so despicable now that the King is (probably) in search of a new place, despite the $52.6 million option picked up in stride. The rumor mill is churning ideas by the minute. The latest on the list? It just had to be the Showtime’s most storied lineup.

LeBron James to the Warriors – who says no?

Anyone got actual money on this? If so, the possibility of this idea might make you drowning in cash. Can you imagine the modern day GOAT flying to the Bay Area, to then win his 5th with his career rival in Stephen Curry, whilst beating the Lakers in a 4th NBA Final? Too good to be true? Well, apparently not. Have a look at this:

“James is the superior player to Butler as of now, but both players do a lot of the same things at this stage in their respective careers. Butler is not only younger, but he is under team control for longer. Even so, the Warriors might not be in a position to legitimately contend for the championship right now, so a swing on a four-time champion with 10 NBA Finals appearances could be fun,” ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett wrote.

LeBron James to the Golden State has to warrant an award for the Association scpritwriters some place in history. Either that, or the atheists can have faith in the NBA gods. But it’s just hardcore King business to show odes to former stars succeeding on all fronts too. You’d do that too if your life’s Jared Dudley was making waves.