The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a new head coach has taken a dramatic turn with the emergence of UConn’s Dan Hurley as a potential candidate. Hurley, who has led the UConn Huskies to back-to-back NCAA championships, has garnered praise from none other than Lakers star LeBron James. This development comes after the Lakers parted ways with Darvin Ham last month, leading to intense speculation about the franchise’s next move.
Hurley’s coaching prowess caught LeBron James’ attention when the 51-year-old appeared on JJ Redick’s podcast, *The Old Man and the Three*, in April. During the podcast, Hurley discussed UConn’s offensive strategies, impressing both Redick and James. LeBron took to social media to express his admiration, stating, “He’s so damn good!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O! Love it.”
He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O! Love it
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 19, 2024
The praise from LeBron adds significant weight to Hurley’s candidacy, especially considering the Lakers’ high-profile status and their need for a coach who can maximize their potential. Fast forward more than a month, and Hurley’s name has surfaced in discussions about the Lakers’ coaching job, a position for which JJ Redick was previously considered the frontrunner.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and General Manager Rob Pelinka have initiated preliminary talks with Hurley’s camp. The Lakers are reportedly prepared to offer a multi-year deal to the two-time NCAA champion, hoping his collegiate success can translate to the NBA.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers are targeting Connecticut’s Dan Hurley to become the franchise’s next coach and are preparing a massive, long-term contract offer to bring the back-to-back national champion to the NBA, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/6WPrigPvAW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 6, 2024
Hurley took praise over the UConn Huskies in the 2018-19 season and has progressively improved the team. His crowning achievement came with back-to-back national titles, making UConn the first team to achieve this feat since the Florida Gators in 2006 and 2007.
LeBron’s praise of Hurley could be a significant factor in the Lakers’ decision-making process. LeBron, who holds a player option for next season, could become a free agent if he opts out. His influence within the organization and his public support for Hurley might tilt the scales in favor of the UConn coach.
However, the Lakers’ coaching search has not been without its twists and turns. Initially, J.J. Redick was widely considered to be the favorite for the job. Wojnarowski’s report came less than 24 hours after rumors suggested that Redick was on the verge of being appointed. Redick, who currently hosts the podcast Mind the Game with LeBron James, was involved in multiple interviews with the Lakers, alongside other candidates like James Borrego and Sam Cassell.
Bayless suggested that Redick might have declined the offer due to internal politics within the Lakers organization. “We’ve heard the stories about the Kobe clique inside the Lakers and the Magic clique inside the Lakers, and maybe JJ finally said, ‘You know what? I got a really good gig, I’m really enjoying my podcast and my television, and why would I inflict this upon myself?'” Bayless speculated.
Amidst the coaching search, LeBron has also been vocal about his admiration for former teammate Kyrie Irving. On a recent episode of Mind the Game, LeBron praised Irving ahead of the 2024 NBA Finals, stating, “I would call Kyrie ‘The Wizard’ all the time. There was nothing on the basketball floor that Kyrie couldn’t do. And sitting here watching it, I’m playing, like, so f*cking happy and so proud. And to watch him continue his growth and at the same time, I’m so f*cking mad that I am not his running mate anymore.”
LeBron and Kyrie led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first-ever championship in 2016, overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors. LeBron’s recent comments about Kyrie, combined with his endorsement of Hurley, paint a picture of a player deeply invested in both his past and future teammates.
.@KingJames talks about the gifts and growth of his former teammate, Kyrie Irving.
Full episode of Mind the Game with @jj_redick drops tomorrow: https://t.co/PKXXT3EcGJ pic.twitter.com/M3uMFATEXE
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) June 4, 2024
The Lakers’ decision on their next head coach will have significant implications for the franchise’s future. With LeBron’s support, Dan Hurley’s chances appear promising. As the Lakers navigate this critical juncture, the basketball world eagerly awaits their next move.
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