"It's Hollywood, but we're not here to get deals or do any acting" – Jason Kidd made their intent clear in the 2002 NBA Finals against the Lakers

For any NBA team, making the finals is one thing. However, the reality is that winning the title is another milestone that any club will have to work for, maybe even harder than making it to the final stage.

Back in 2002, the New Jersey Nets got that far. However, the odds were stacked against them since they had to go up against the Los Angeles Lakers, bannered by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. But given their roster, New Jersey had a chance if they played their cards right.

The Nets were so close to the throne

Ironically, one key member of that team was Jason Kidd . He finished second in MVP voting and was credited for turning the Nets into serious contenders.

Aside from him, other players were providing the necessary support – Kerry Kittles, Kenyon Martin, and Keith Van Horn. Would this be enough to turn the tables on the Lakers?

The 2002 NBA Finals was dubbed as “destiny vs. dynasty.” Kidd was a proven All-Star guard who gave Lakers guards such as Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant a fair share of problems on both ends of the floor. In all, the former California Golden Bear made it clear that they were at this stage to play their best.

“We're not here on a paid vacation," Kidd said via UPI . "It's Hollywood but we're not here to get deals or do any acting. We're here to play basketball.”

Related: Michael Jordan opens up about his older brother Larry not making the NBA: "He has always been a good player, but he just didn't grow enough"

No answer for the Lakers' center

Kidd attempted to lead the Nets against the Lakers, but Los Angeles proved too formidable. New Jersey couldn't find an answer to Shaq, who was an unstoppable force. Despite their best efforts to double-team him, the center's dominance prevailed. Kenyon Martin, who had the tough job of trying to contain O’Neal, acknowledged that the 2000 NBA MVP was the decisive factor in the Finals .

Despite that 2002 setback, there was no denying that the Nets had found the right mix to compete. Kidd was able to mesh with K-Mart, someone the 1995 Co-Rookie of the Year admitted was his favorite teammate because of his competitive spirit.

Kidd was riddled with injuries that clearly affected his game. He would end up returning to the Dallas Mavericks, the same team that drafted him second in the 1994 NBA Draft. He found a new favorite teammate in Dirk Nowitzki, a tandem that led to the Mavs winning the 2011 title.

After retiring in 2013, Kidd would venture into coaching. After trying his luck on several teams, he would end up calling the shots for the Mavs in 2021. Given that the Mavericks are coming off a second-place finish in the recently concluded 2024 Finals against the Celtics, it will be interesting if the 10-time All-Star can weave his magic again and win an NBA title, this time as a coach.

Related: Mike Bibby was warned '02 series vs. Lakers could be rigged: "If they bring in this crew, it's not gonna go the way we like"