LeBron James Believes 2011 Finals Loss to Mavs Was Down to ‘Luck’, Reveals Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd admits one thing that always riles up LeBron James about 2011 Mavericks title run.

LeBron James Believes 2011 Finals Loss to Mavs Was Down to ‘Luck’, Reveals Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd and LeBron James (Image credits - Yahoo Sports and Sports Illustrated)

LeBron James has carried the NBA on his shoulders ever since he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the number one pick straight out of high school in 2003. Since then, he has cemented himself into the record books and NBA history as one of the, if not the, greatest players to ever play the game.

After seven seasons and leading the Cavs to the NBA Finals in 2007, James tested free agency for the first time in 2010. He signed with the Miami Heat and formed the “Big Three” alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

With expectations sky-high, he reached the NBA Finals in his first season with the Heat in 2011. However, his performance in the Finals became the lowest point of his storied career. He averaged just 17.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists as the Heat were beaten by the Dallas Mavericks in six games.

Jason Kidd, who worked alongside James as the assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, was asked if he ever teased James about the 2011 NBA Finals during their time together.

No, I would never bring that up. Only if I had to, you know, get him upset. He would bring it up. I would let him bring it up. [He would say] that we got lucky and I just say I agreed with him.

Jason Kidd on All-StarMagazine

Jason Kidd was an important member of the Mavs when they won the 2011 championship. Their road to the championship is widely regarded as one of the greatest runs in NBA history. However, James believes the Mavs ‘got lucky’ against him and the Heat in the Finals.

The former second pick has always heaped praise on James and never disagreed with the King about his team getting lucky in 2011. They worked together from 2019 to 2021 before Kidd became the head coach of the Mavs. The Hall of Famer parted ways with the Mavs this year after failing to make it to the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

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Jason Kidd believes LeBron James instantly makes the 76ers contenders

LeBron James has completed 23 seasons in the NBA. While he has accomplished everything there is to achieve in the sport, he surprised everyone when he decided to sign a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers this year. The move has gotten the entire NBA world hyped up for next season.

Kidd is quite familiar with the King. After James’ move to Philly, Kidd believes the team could win the championship next year.

LeBron going to Philly automatically puts Philly in the talks of winning a championship. They could be the best team in the East. That’s just him at the age of 42. He still has that power… Philly has a young backcourt that’s very exciting to watch in Maxey and VJ. I think they’re the team that’s the move.

Jason Kidd on All-StarMagazine

The 76ers have not won a championship in 43 years, while James has delivered a championship in every franchise he has played for. Expectations for Philly heading into next season are “championship or bust,” according to many, and Kidd believes they have what it takes to win it all with James on the roster.

Jason Kidd expresses openness about coaching again in the NBA

Kidd was the head coach of the Mavs for five seasons. In his first season as head coach, he led the Mavs to the Western Conference Finals in 2022. But his biggest achievement was in 2024 when the Mavs reached the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, he was not able to win his first championship as head coach, as they were beaten by the Boston Celtics in five games.

Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd (Image credits – NBA)

In a media interview with Rappler at the NBA House Philippines 2026 in Manila, Kidd kept his door open for another head coaching opportunity in the NBA.

I think I love coaching. I love to watch players get better. I want to win, and I want to help the team win. I would never say no to coaching, maybe somewhere down the future, but right now, I’m just at home really trying to enjoy with my family.

Jason Kidd in an interview with Rappler at the NBA House Philippines

While both sides mutually agreed to part ways, it still came as a surprise to many. Kidd may have failed to take the Mavs to the playoffs in three of his five seasons in charge, but two of those seasons came after they traded away Luka Doncic in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history at the trade deadline last year.

However, Kidd is enjoying some family time and made it clear that his current focus remains on spending time with them. But it feels like a matter of time before he returns to the NBA as a head coach.

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