The Los Angeles Lakers are making a strong case to bring UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley to lead their NBA franchise. Hurley is reportedly impressed by the Lakers’ pitch to leave college basketball and relocate to Los Angeles. The team plans to offer Hurley a massive, long-term contract as they aim to secure him as their next head coach. Despite having recently signed a contract extension with UConn, Hurley is considering the opportunity to coach in the NBA, particularly with a successful team like the Lakers.
Hurley, who led the UConn Huskies to back-to-back national championships, is facing a decision between staying in Connecticut and pursuing a three-peat with the Huskies, or making the leap to the NBA with the Lakers. The potential move would leave a significant void in UConn’s coaching staff and have a major impact on the team’s future. The Lakers had also been rumored to be interested in J.J. Redick as a potential head coach, but Hurley is currently their top target.
If Hurley ultimately decides not to make the move to Los Angeles, the Lakers have already interviewed other candidates, including New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego. However, it is clear that Hurley is the team’s preferred choice, and they are making a strong push to convince him to take on the role. LeBron James, who is set to enter free agency, has expressed support for Hurley as a potential head coach for the Lakers, praising his coaching abilities and creativity.
The Lakers’ pursuit of Hurley comes at a crucial time for the franchise, as they look to solidify their coaching staff and make strategic moves ahead of the upcoming NBA season. The team has high expectations after making it to the Western Conference Finals last year under former head coach Darvin Ham. Bringing in a coach like Hurley could potentially help the Lakers build on their recent success and compete for a championship. The decision ultimately lies with Hurley, who will need to weigh the pros and cons of leaving UConn for a chance to coach in the NBA.
As the clock ticks down to Hurley’s decision, the Lakers continue to make their case for why he should join their organization. Hurley’s meeting with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and team owner Jeannie Buss left him extremely impressed, and he is now considering the opportunity to lead one of the most iconic teams in the NBA. It remains to be seen whether Hurley will ultimately make the move to Los Angeles, but the Lakers are pulling out all the stops to secure him as their next head coach. The stakes are high for both parties, as Hurley faces a career-defining decision and the Lakers aim to position themselves for success in the upcoming season.
