Ex-Lakers assistants in Mavericks’ coaching pipeline shake-up

Jul 3, 2025 6:08 AM

The Dallas Mavericks are reshaping their coaching staff ahead of the 2025–26 season, and several former Lakers coaches are in the mix.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, after Frank Vogel has agreed to join the Mavericks as associate head coach under Jason Kidd, Phil Handy has emerged as a candidate to join the Mavericks’ staff. Handy served as an assistant with the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Raptors, and is widely respected for his player development expertise.

Another name under consideration is Mike Penberthy, a former Lakers guard and assistant coach. Penberthy has close ties to Mavericks star Anthony Davis, with whom he worked during the Lakers’ 2020 championship season.

In addition to Handy, league sources tell @TheSteinLine that another candidate for a coaching staff role in Dallas is former Lakers assistant coach (and former title-winning Lakers guard) Mike Penberthy, who has a close relationship with Mavericks star Anthony Davis. https://t.co/wwhZCApeF8
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 3, 2025

The potential additions come as Dallas loses key staff members. Jared Dudley is nearing a deal to become lead assistant under Nuggets head coach David Adelman.

Meanwhile, longtime player development specialist God Shammgod is expected to finalize a move to the Orlando Magic, reuniting with Jamahl Mosley. Both previously worked together in Dallas under Rick Carlisle.

Jason Kidd will now have two former NBA head coaches on his Mavs staff next season: Frank Vogel and Jay Triano. Vogel still has three seasons left on his Suns HC deal.

Denver is in advanced talks to hire Dallas' Jared Dudley to be No. 1 assistant to Nuggets coach David Adelman. https://t.co/a9e9w5MrJH
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 2, 2025