"They don't like me": UConn HC Dan Hurley sends clear message to 'trolling' Lakers fans after rejecting blockbuster NBA move

The UConn Huskies almost came close to losing Dan Hurley to the NBA as the Los Angeles Lakers made a $70 million offer for their vacant head coaching position. However, Hurley has since rejected the offer and has chosen to stay on the East Coast.

On Saturday, Dan Hurley joined the commentators' box at the Yankees vs. Red Sox match-up. One of the broadcasters joked that he thought Hurley would be having this interview with the LA Dodgers. The Naismith Coach of the Year said:

"I stopped talking about that. All the Lakers fans, they've been like trolling me. They don't want me doing any more media because they don't like me."

"We went through the exercise. Yeah, when the Lakers come calling, you keep an open mind. As much as you love UConn and just what we've been able to do, you gotta listen."

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Dan Hurley pushed Donovan Clingan to leave college basketball

While he may have rejected the NBA for now, Dan Hurley pushed his players to transition. In an interview with former NBA players Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles on their "Knuckleheads Podcast," Clingan shared:

"I went into Coach Hurley’s office, and I was like, ‘Yo coach, I’ll come back. I’ll go for another one.’ He’s like ‘You’re out of your mind, bro. Get the hell out of here.’ And I guess I had to go."

Clingan further explained his love for UConn and the staff as he said:

"It was probably like four days after we had won the title, but you know I was sad. I didn’t want to leave that place. I love UConn, Coach Hurley, the staff, the people around me and my teammates. Every time I walk in that building, it’s home. I went back twice last week, and I still feel like I’m part of the team."

In his sophomore season with the Huskies, Donovan Clingan averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.5 blocks in 22.5 minutes per game. He was picked No. 7 by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Besides Clingan, Dan Hurley has also lost Stephon Castle to the NBA draft along with Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton to college eligibility. With Alex Karaban as the only returning championship-winning starter, Hurley has the work cut out for him to train his Huskies to another championship.

UConn and Hurley's goal for the upcoming season is a three-peat which they will be the first to do since the UCLA Bruins.