NBA

Next Lakers Head Coach: UConn's Dan Hurley Emerges As Favorite To Land Job

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Dan Girolamo
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Updated06 Jun 2024

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Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley

The search for the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is heating up, with UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley emerging as the new favorite.

Lakers Targeting Dan Hurley As Next Head Coach

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers are targeting Hurley as their next head coach. The Lakers are “preparing a massive, long-term contract offer” to lure Hurley away from college to the NBA.

The Lakers and Hurley, 51, have begun preliminary discussions, with talks expected to intensify in the coming days. The Lakers front office, including Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss, believe Hurley can establish a winning culture and continue his elite player development in Los Angeles.

Hurley is coming off his second consecutive national championship with the UConn Huskies. Hurley has stated he wants to become the first team to three-peat since John Wooden's UCLA teams in the 1970s. However, Hurley has expressed a desire to join the NBA ranks. Wojnarowski's reports state that the UConn head coach told his players he would be listening to the Lakers' offer.

One Lakers player who has expressed his admiration for Hurley is LeBron James. After JJ Redick discussed offensive principles with Hurley on a podcast, James responded on X: “He's so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their [offense]. Love it.”

The Lakers also have Bronny James to consider. LeBron aspires to play with Bronny, and Los Angeles could use a second-round draft pick on the younger James. Hurley has been a star at developing talent at the collegiate level. Hurley's skills should translate to the NBA, which could further Bronny's development.

JJ Redick Was Considered An Early Favorite For Lakers Job

Wojnarowski's report contradicted Shams Charania's reporting from yesterday, stating the Lakers were “zeroing in” on JJ Redick as their next head coach.

Reddick has met with Lakers officials, and according to Charania, Redick obtained the “inside track to becoming Los Angeles’ next head coach.”

New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego is also being considered for the head coaching position with the Lakers.

Despite his earlier reporting on Redick, Charania confirmed that Hurley and the Lakers were discussing the vacant head coaching position.