Lakers reportedly targeting UConn’s Dan Hurley to be next head coach

In a sharp turn from the rumors floating around in recent days, the Lakers are “targeting” two-time NCAA national champion coach Dan Hurley of UConn to take over as their next head coach.

Los Angeles is preparing to offer Hurley—a gifted Xs and Os coach known for player development—a “massive, long-term contract” in hopes he cannot only coach LeBron James in his final years but also transition the Lakers to the Anthony Davis era and beyond, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. He described the Lakers pursuit of Hurley as “relentless.”

The Lakers have had preliminary contact with Hurley and the sides are planning to escalate discussions in the coming days, sources told ESPN. Hurley has been at the forefront of the Lakers’ search from the beginning of the process, even while the organization has done its due diligence interviewing several other candidates, sources said…

Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka and governor Jeanie Buss are eager to formally discuss with Hurley their vision of marrying his dominant program — built upon his tactical acumen and his elite player development — with the storied Lakers brand, sources said.

Hurley previously said he was concerned about burnout at the college level, and he might want to test himself in the NBA.

Dan Hurley says burnout or an opportunity to coach in the #NBA “down down the road” if he can mature a little bit with his emotions would be the only reasons that he’d leave #UConn pic.twitter.com/SYC3a4UxDA

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) April 17, 2024

LeBron James praised Hurley is a post on X in April after the Huskie’s coach appeared on a podcast (somewhat ironically) with J.J. Redick.

He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O! Love it

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 19, 2024

As for Anthony Davis, Woj writes:

The Lakers have been committed to making All-NBA forward Anthony Davis a significant part of the conversation on the next head coach and want to make sure he’s aligned with how a new coach plans to feature him on offense and defense, sources said.

More than simply pleasing their stars —…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-reportedly-targeting-uconns-dan-145117950.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-06-06 14:51:17

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