The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly making a significant financial commitment in their pursuit of University of Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley. Anthony F. Irwin has revealed that the Lakers are preparing to offer Hurley a contract worth around $100 million over eight years. This comes as a surprising move, especially considering Hurley has never coached at the NBA level.
The reported $100 million offer is a bold and unprecedented move by the Lakers. Such a substantial financial commitment indicates their belief in Hurley’s ability to bring long-term success to the franchise. Historically, the Lakers have not been known to pursue high-profile college coaches, making this potential hiring even more noteworthy.
Dan Hurley has established himself as a proven winner and a skilled program builder at the college level. He has led the UConn Huskies to back-to-back NCAA championships, showcasing his ability to develop a winning culture and maximize the potential of his teams. His success has made him an attractive candidate for the Lakers, who are looking to rebuild and strengthen their team.
Despite this ambitious offer, some within the Lakers organization have expressed reservations. Concerns have been raised about Hurley’s lack of NBA coaching experience and whether he can effectively transition to the professional level. However, Hurley’s impressive track record in college basketball and his reputation as a strong leader and strategist provide hope that he can make the leap successfully.
The pursuit of Hurley also reflects the Lakers’ strategic shift towards focusing on the long-term future of the franchise, as emphasized by LeBron James.
Reports indicate that LeBron has advised the Lakers to make decisions that prioritize the development and success of Anthony Davis and the team’s future rather than solely focusing on his immediate needs. This aligns with the Lakers’ desire to build a sustainable and competitive team for the next decade.
If Hurley accepts the Lakers’ offer, it will mark a significant milestone for both him and the franchise. The potential hiring of Hurley underscores the Lakers’ commitment to investing in top coaching talent and their determination to return to championship contention.
Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Lakers are pulling out all the stops to secure a coach they believe can lead them to success.
Michael Malone On Dan Hurley: “I Think He Can Do A Hell Of A Job”
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone has expressed strong support for the Los Angeles Lakers interest in University of Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley. During his appearance on The Jim Rome Show, Malone emphasized his belief in Hurley’s potential to succeed in the NBA.
“I think Danny Hurley is a great coach. Look at what he’s done at UConn, back-to-back championships. We were actually in Utah and we watched the championship game as a staff and I was so impressed with not only their offense, everybody talks about their offense, I thought their defense was outstanding.”
“And they gave Purdue fits all night long. I think Danny can do a hell of a job coaching in the NBA. Coaching is coaching. It’s relationships. The big difference is in college, Danny is responsible for the players in his program. When you come to the NBA, you’re not recruiting.”
“You are coaching the players that are there that have been drafted, signed, traded for, whatever it may be. He’s young, he’s energetic, and one thing I learned is that you’ve got to be true to yourself.”
“For Danny, it will have to be who he is if he takes the Laker job. And but it’s basketball, but the NBA game is different than college. 82 games, it’s a long season, back-to-backs, four games in five nights, the rules, the officials. 1 1:39 So I think that might be the only issue that he would have.”
“And not really an issue, but that’s going to take time because it’s a different game. You’re not playing two 20-minute halves, you’re playing quarters. And, but I think Danny, he studied the NBA. I think he can come in and do a hell of a job if he chooses to do so.”
“He’s got two great options. He can go to the Lakers or he can stay at the powerhouse that he has built at UConn and now wishing the best of luck in his decision.”
“I think Danny can do a hell of a job coaching in the NBA.” @nuggets head coach Michael Malone on the possibility of Dan Hurley coaching the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/wgxtM7sOf3
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) June 7, 2024
Malone, who has a long-standing friendship with Hurley, stated that Hurley could excel at the professional level because coaching fundamentally revolves around relationships.
Malone praised Hurley’s accomplishments at UConn, noting the transformation he brought to the basketball program. Under Hurley’s guidance, UConn has become a powerhouse, winning back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024.
The Huskies achieved a record-setting season with 37 wins and an impressive margin of victory in the NCAA Tournament. Malone highlighted Hurley’s strategic prowess, particularly his ability to implement effective offensive and defensive systems.
This news comes amidst ongoing speculation about the Lakers’ coaching search, with former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick previously considered a frontrunner. Redick, currently an ESPN analyst and co-host of the “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James, was believed to be nearing a deal with the Lakers.
However, the potential hiring of Hurley suggests the Lakers are looking for a coach with a proven track record of success and the ability to build a sustainable program. Hurley’s success at UConn and his potential to adapt to the NBA’s demands have made him an attractive candidate for the Lakers.
If he accepts the offer, Hurley would bring a championship mindset and a strong foundation in both offensive and defensive strategies, which could help the Lakers return to championship contention. With endorsements from respected figures like Malone, Hurley’s transition to the NBA could be a game-changer for the Lakers.
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