In a stunning development, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing Connecticut’s Dan Hurley as their next head coach.
According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers are gearing up to offer Hurley a substantial, long-term contract to lure him from his successful tenure at Connecticut.
Sources reveal that preliminary discussions have already commenced between Hurley and the Lakers, with plans to intensify negotiations in the coming days.
Hurley has emerged as a leading candidate for the Lakers coaching role, despite minimal prior speculation linking him to the position.
The sudden interest in Hurley signifies a notable shift in the Lakers’ coaching search, with the franchise evidently impressed by his accomplishments and coaching prowess.
Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss, key decision-makers for the Lakers, are eager to present their vision to Hurley and integrate his winning strategies into the team’s framework.
“The Lakers in the next few days are in a full press to convince Dan Hurley to come to L.A. He’s told them that he wants to hear them out,” Wojnarowski said on UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio. The Lakers and Rob Pelinka, they want to put a program in place in L.A.
“They don’t want to just have coach-to-coach,” he added. “They want to put a program in for the long term. They want Dan Hurley’s player development program.”
According to Wojnarowski, the Lakers are shifting their mindset towards developing their own players instead of sacrificing future assets for acquisition of star players via trades. That includes potentially drafting and developing Bronny James.
“The idea of Bronny James and the Lakers. They have the 55th pick. Who better, potentially, than Dan Hurley to be the development coach to lead his growth than the coach who’s really dominated the college sport?” Wojnarowski remarked.
With a remarkable track record of success, including back-to-back national championships at Connecticut, Hurley brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the table.
Hurley’s impressive achievements at Connecticut, including leading the Huskies to a school-record 37 wins, a Big East regular season title, a Big East tournament championship, and a second-straight NCAA national championship during the 2023-24 season, have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim.
This past season Hurley was named the Naismith College Coach of the Year and received the Sporting News National Coach of the Year Award.
Stay tuned for further updates as negotiations between the Lakers and Hurley progress, shaping the future direction of the storied franchise.
