Lakers coaching search update: Dan Hurley expected to make decision Monday

Connecticut coach Dan Hurley points out instructions during a win over San Diego State in the Sweet 16 on March 28. (Michael Dwyer / Associated Press)

The Lakers’ coaching search could end Monday.

Dan Hurley told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski the Lakers made a “compelling case” for him to become the franchise’s next coach, but he loves what he has built leading two-time national champion UConn and and plans to make a decision on his future Monday.

Many inside and outside the Lakers’ facility in El Segundo were stunned last week when Hurley emerged as the top candidate general manager Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss were targeting, with people with knowledge of the search not authorized to speak publicly confirming to Dan Woike on Thursday the Lakers were expected to make an offer Friday. The Lakers’ leadership has said little since last week, giving their top candidate the weekend to weigh his options.

Here are key questions and answers we know so far entering Monday:

Read more: Who is Dan Hurley? Everything you need to know about the Lakers coaching candidate

Why did the Lakers focus on Hurley?

Connecticut coach Dan Hurley speaks to reporters before the Huskies’ NCAA championship game against Purdue on April 7. (David J. Phillip / Associated Press)

Woike reported Thursday the Lakers are hoping Hurley, 51, will be a program builder, an experienced winner with a track record of development. Since the team moved on from embattled coach Darvin Ham, people involved in the search have pointed to a big-picture approach with the hire. The hope has been the team can find a coach who can maximize LeBron James’ final years in the NBA while establishing the kind of culture that can sustain the franchise in its next era after James, with key pieces of the future like Austin Reaves in place.

James, according to people with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to speak publicly, hasn’t taken an active role in the Lakers’ search beyond echoing those big- picture goals. Anthony Davis and the long-term iterations of the roster have been a primary focus — one James himself had advocated for.

Read more: ‘I want the coach…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-coaching-search-dan-hurley-100007674.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-06-10 10:00:07

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