SEALED DEAL: Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd signed a contract with Los Angeles Lakers Worth $115 million for 2 years and promised to give power forward Anthony Davis as a pay back if he didn’t pay back the… 

Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd signed a contract with Los Angeles Lakers Worth $115 million for 2 years and promised to give power forward Anthony Davis as a pay back if he didn’t pay back the…

In a stunning and unexpected move that has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA, Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd has officially signed a jaw-dropping two-year, $115 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal, finalized late Wednesday evening, makes Kidd the highest-paid head coach in NBA history — and it comes with a bold, eyebrow-raising promise.

According to sources close to the situation, Kidd assured Lakers ownership, led by Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka, that he would deliver immediate results — or else. In what many are calling an unprecedented clause, Kidd reportedly vowed to “return” Lakers superstar Anthony Davis to the team as “payback” if he fails to live up to expectations.

While the legality and logistics of such a promise remain murky, one thing is clear: the Lakers are all-in on Jason Kidd, and Kidd is betting big on himself.

A Sudden Departure

The announcement caught both fans and NBA insiders off guard. Kidd, who had coached the Mavericks since 2021, was widely credited with developing Luka Dončić into one of the league’s most dynamic superstars. Under Kidd’s leadership, the Mavericks reached the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and remained perennial playoff contenders.

But behind the scenes, tension had reportedly been building. Sources say Kidd was frustrated with the Mavericks’ front office over a lack of roster support and long-term vision. His contract with Dallas still had one year remaining, but an opt-out clause allowed him to explore other opportunities — and the Lakers were ready to pounce.

Why the Lakers?

The Lakers, coming off a disappointing 2024–25 season that ended in the first round of the playoffs, are in full rebuild mode. With LeBron James finally retiring earlier this summer, the team is eager to reestablish its identity and contend again.

“We needed a voice. A vision. A leader,” said Lakers GM Rob Pelinka at the official press conference Thursday morning. “Jason Kidd brings all of that. He’s been a champion, he understands how to develop stars, and most importantly — he believes in this team.”

Pelinka also confirmed the staggering financial terms of the deal: $115 million over two years, which averages to $57.5 million annually. That figure surpasses the previous high-water mark set by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.

The Anthony Davis Clause

The most shocking element of the deal, however, is what insiders are calling “The AD Clause.” Multiple league sources claim Kidd told Lakers executives, “If I don’t turn this team around in two years, you can have AD back.”

Though clearly not a formal clause in his contract, the statement reflects the pressure and expectations riding on Kidd’s shoulders. Anthony Davis, now 32 and coming off one of his healthiest and most productive seasons in years, is the centerpiece of the Lakers’ future — and the implication that he could be traded or sacrificed as part of a failed coaching experiment has fans buzzing.

Social media exploded with reactions following the announcement. Some praised Kidd’s confidence; others called the move reckless.

Mavericks React

Back in Dallas, the mood was somber.

“We’re grateful for everything Jason brought to the organization,” said Mavericks owner Mark Cuban in a statement. “While the timing wasn’t ideal, we respect his decision and wish him the best — except when he plays us.”

Luka Dončić, reached for comment while vacationing in Croatia, gave a brief response to reporters: “I was surprised. I thought we were building something. But I wish him luck.”

What Comes Next?

With Jason Kidd now in charge, the Lakers’ offseason strategy is expected to shift dramatically. Kidd is known for his emphasis on defensive accountability, structured offense, and empowering stars — particularly point guards. Rumors are already circulating that the Lakers are targeting top-tier free agents and could pursue a blockbuster trade to bring another All-Star alongside Davis.

As for the Mavericks, assistant coach Jared Dudley is expected to serve as interim head coach while the team searches for a permanent replacement.

Only time will tell whether this risky, high-stakes move will pay off for the Lakers — or become one of the most expensive coaching gambles in sports history.