"Jeanie Buss is a cheap owner and she needs to sell the team" - NBA fans suspect Lakers' financial woes cost them Dan Hurley deal

After weeks of reports of UConn coach Dan Hurley being involved with the Lakers, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed that the two parties will not work towards a finalized deal. Following this latest development, Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus shared that the team's financial resources are being questioned by members around the league, a sentiment shared by several NBA fans.

Originally, the Lakers offered Hurley a six-year $70 million contract with the vision of an important culture change led by the NCAA back-to-back champion. According to Forbes, the iconic purple and gold NBA team ranks third in most valuable franchise across the league.

Pincus' report was shared on X by NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral), where he argued that the team's front office could have done more to present an offer that Hurley wouldn't be able to resist. In turn, league members view a stark difference in financial capabilities between the Lakers and their competitors.

In response to the report, numerous NBA fans shared their reactions in the comment section.

"The answer is no they can't. Jeanie Buss is a cheap owner and she needs to sell the team to someone who is willing to pay," a fan said.

Meanwhile, X user Mick (@mickmbetting) highlighted an interesting scenario involving Lakers fans.

"Imagine telling LA fans 20 years ago that they aren't a winning franchise because they don't have enough money lol," the fan posted.

Additionally, X user Mortgage Pro (@MortgageSense83) isn't fond of the team's combination of poor resources and lackluster decision-making.

"No they cannot. Small market pockets now in a big market city. @JeanieBuss should sell the families majority stake, and allow it to be run by someone who will return us to glory. The team has less resources and is also making poor decisions. This is, in my opinion, a very bad combo. ...," the fan posted.

Moreover, Jason (@jason23lake) is coming off the notion that Jeanie Buss would have probably sold the Lakers franchise if not for the acquisition of LeBron James in 2018.

"Jeanie would've sold it two years ago if LeBron never signed with them in 2018," the fan posted.

X user ADSZN (@korelinthefall1) made a stark comparison with the franchise's management compared to their competitors.

"Well they relying on the families finances as opposed to everyone else being in more powerful investor groups. We have the thinnest front office in the league as well," the fan posted.

As of now, it remains to be seen what the organization's next move will be as competition in the NBA doesn't rest for anyone.

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JR Smith explained why he wasn't sold on the idea of Dan Hurley becoming the next head coach of the Lakers

After JR Smith tagged a fake Dan Hurley account on X where he shared unenthusiastic advice regarding the Lakers' head coach position, he explained in a video clip why he didn't support it.

"Honestly, I felt like [Coach] Hurley was in a great situation back-to-back championships in college," Smith said. "And looking at what the Lakers got going on right now and seeing their previous situations, I just thought it would be a better fit for him to stay where he was at. ... It was the great decision he could've made, 100%."

There's no denying the weighty expectations placed on anyone who ends up becoming the coach of the LA Lakers. With the team's history of success throughout its tenure, the franchise expects nothing less from whoever sits in the position.