"Love it": JR Smith elated as Dan Hurley chooses UConn's $50 million contract over Lakers' $70 million deal

Former LA Lakers player JR Smith shares his thoughts on the report that UConn coach Dan Hurley rejected the team's offer. The Lakers reportedly offered Hurley a six-year, $70 million deal to be the new head coach of the franchise. Instead, he chose to stay and sign a six-year, $50 million deal from UConn to stay.

The search for the Lakers' new coach isn't over as Hurley changed his mind at the last minute. It came down to just him as the team's option as the news about JJ Redick's involvement with the team suddenly died down.

Smith, who played for the Lakers for the 2019-20 season, shared his honest thoughts on the update.

"Honestly, I felt like coach was in a great situation in 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's at.

When Smith found out about Hurley turning down the Lakers' offer, he said this:

"Perfect. Love it. The greatest decision he could've made, 100%."

Recently, Smith posted on his X account and tagged the UConn coach. The ex-NBA player warned him and told the coach not to fall for the offer from the Lakers.

A bunch of fans were curious as to what he meant by his post. Smith replied to one of the fans and explained that he believes Hurley has a great thing going on at the collegiate level.

With his return to the university, he has a chance to win for a third time next year. Winning another title could put UConn as the second-winningest team in the NCAA men's basketball division. The school could potentially win its seventh title next year.

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Another former Lakers star supports the decision that Dan Hurley made

After the news broke out that the Lakers hadn't secured their new head coach, fans from all around the world shared their thoughts. Through all this, fans saw former Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook's social media activity. Eagle-eyed fans saw a post from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski about the update on the Dan Hurley hiring and Westbrook gave it a like.

The point guard didn't verbally express his thoughts. But given how he was utilized by the team and criticized by most fans, his experience with the Lakers wasn't the best.

Westbrook played one and a half seasons for the Lakers where he had some of the worst shooting efficiencies of his career. The former MVP averaged 17.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists. The star guard shot a miserable 29.7% from beyond the arc during his stint with the team.