The Dallas Mavericks are in the midst of a fascinating coaching transformation, quietly reuniting key members of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship team while demonstrating that losing assistants isn’t always a bad thing—it can be a sign you’re doing something right.
The most significant addition came when Frank Vogel finalized an agreement to join the Mavericks as associate head coach, marking a role reversal from his Lakers days. Vogel led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA title with Jason Kidd serving as his top assistant. Now, Kidd is the head coach in Dallas while Vogel takes on the supporting role—a testament to the cyclical nature of NBA coaching and the enduring value of championship experience.
The reunion continued with the hiring of Mike Penberthy, a noted shooting specialist who previously worked with Anthony Davis in Los Angeles. With Penberthy on board, the Mavericks have now assembled the core trio from that 2020 Lakers title run: Kidd, Vogel, and Penberthy—each bringing a different skill set and perspective molded by championship success.
While the headlines focus on Dallas reuniting title-winning coaches, the more revealing subplot is why the Mavericks lost so many assistants in the first place—and why that’s actually encouraging. Sean Sweeney, a defensive architect behind Dallas’s Finals run, departed to become associate head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. Alex Jensen left to become head coach at the University of Utah. Player development specialist God Shammgod joined the Orlando Magic’s staff.
When assistants leave for higher-profile roles, it signals organizational health. Other teams want what you’ve built. It reflects positively on Jason Kidd’s leadership and speaks to the culture developing in Dallas—a program capable of elevating not only players, but coaches.
The Lakers connection goes beyond shared time on the bench. It’s about replicating championship habits, daily standards, and preparation strategies honed during the pressure of a title run. Vogel brings defensive acumen and poise under pressure. Penberthy offers player-specific skill development, particularly in perimeter shooting. Together with Kidd, the trio understands the grind of a championship season and the micro-adjustments it requires.
This revamped coaching core brings not only familiarity but also complementary strengths. Kidd is a motivator and game manager. Vogel adds tactical discipline. Penberthy boosts development at the individual skill level. It’s a rare combination of chemistry, credibility, and championship pedigree.
Championship culture isn’t just about players—it’s also about coaches who’ve been there before, know what it takes, and can transmit that knowledge to the next generation. The Mavericks are betting that by reuniting Vogel, Kidd, and Penberthy, they can reconstruct the mindset that fueled their own Finals run—and take the final step toward winning it all.