UConn’s Dan Hurley Emerges as Top Target for Lakers Head Coach Position

The Los Angeles Lakers are intensifying their pursuit of University of Connecticut’s men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley for the head coaching position, according to sources familiar with the matter.

With a plan to offer a substantial, long-term contract, the Lakers have engaged in initial discussions with Hurley and are preparing to elevate talks in the coming days, sources revealed.

The Lakers front office led by Rob Pelinka and governor Jeanie Buss is keen on discussing with Hurley the potential integration of his successful coaching style and player development methods with the esteemed Lakers franchise.

Hurley, a 51-year-old coach, has expressed his aspirations to transition to the NBA and is eager to explore the opportunity with the Lakers, known for their winning tradition, sources indicated.

If Hurley joins the Lakers, it would mark a significant move on the 20th anniversary of the organization’s pursuit of Mike Krzyzewski in 2004, a pursuit that resulted in Krzyzewski deciding to stay at Duke.

LeBron James, a key figure for the Lakers, has been impressed by Hurley’s offensive strategies and could see his son, Bronny, benefit from Hurley’s coaching if the Lakers draft Bronny in the upcoming NBA draft.

The Lakers have interviewed several candidates including James Borrego, JJ Redick, Sam Cassell, and David Adelman, but the potential hiring of Hurley has been a focal point for the franchise, sources disclosed.

With Hurley’s success at UConn, winning back-to-back NCAA national championships, his departure from the college basketball scene could have significant implications for both college basketball and the NBA.

Hurley, known for his coaching lineage with his father Bob Hurley Sr. and his success at various coaching stops before UConn, has emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches in the sport.

Following the dismissal of former Lakers coach Darvin Ham, Hurley could be the next man tasked with leading the Lakers to further success in the NBA.

With Hurley’s track record at UConn and his coaching philosophy, he could be the missing piece for the Lakers as they look to rebuild and compete in the NBA.