The Los Angeles Lakers are aiming to lure 2024 Naismith Coach of the Year, Dan Hurley, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Hurley guided the UConn Huskies to a record 37 wins, a number one overall seed in the NCAA tournament, and a second consecutive NCAA national championship.
Preliminary discussions between the Lakers and Hurley have reportedly taken place, with the latter set to consider their pitch in the coming days.
However, radio host and Fox reporter Aaron Torres outlined four reasons Hurley should decline the Lakers' offer:
“1. Don't want to coach a coach-killing 40 yr old [LeBron James who turned 40 years old],” Torres tweeted. “2. Don't want to be a glorified AAU coach for his son [Andrew Hurley]. 3. Have a team good enough to win (another) title next year. 4. If the NBA is your aspiration, there will be plenty of better opportunities.”
Dan Hurley, currently making $3.5 million annually at UConn, is set to meet with Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and president/GM Rob Pelinka on Friday to discuss a potential contract exceeding $100 million, according to CT Insider.
This past season, Hurley earned $7 million, all bonuses included. Despite his consistent emphasis on program loyalty since joining UConn, the ultimate fate of Coach Hurley's career remains uncertain.
Dan Hurley leads UConn to glory, now linked to NBA's Lakers
The UConn Huskies coach experienced a remarkable journey with the team. After a 19-12 season in 2020, the team made a comeback to the NCAA tournament in 2021. However, it was in 2023 and 2024 that they achieved the ultimate success by winning the national championship.
Known for their aggressive style of play, the Huskies ranked 2nd in the nation in assists during their first championship run and 1st in their second, showcasing their adaptability and willingness to evolve under Dan Hurley's coaching.
This has led to speculation that Hurley might transition to coaching in the NBA, with reports that the Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest in him.
He informed his players during Thursday's practice that he had been approached by the Los Angeles Lakers. According to an ESPN report, Hurley is currently listening to their proposal.
As we look forward to seeing how this unfolds in the coming days, share your thoughts in the comments section!
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