The Los Angeles Lakers aim to hire Dan Hurley, who has led UConn to back-to-back NCAA national titles, as their next coach, according to ESPN.
Hurley is known for his tactical prowess as well as his ability to develop players, attributes that have made him the Lakers’ top target as they seek to replace Darvin Ham, who was dismissed in May after the team lost in the first-round of the playoffs.
Hurley signed a six-year, $32m contract with UConn last year and ESPN reports the Lakers are offering him a lucrative, long-term deal. The Lakers are understood to have had preliminary discussion with the 51-year-old, who has spoken about his ambition to coach in the NBA, but are yet to make a formal offer.
Hurley’s reputation for developing player talent may be a particular lure for the Lakers. New league rules make it harder for teams to be built around three star players, making developing younger players more important. Hurley could theoretically help improve talented younger players who are already on the Lakers roster, such as Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Max Christie, behind their established stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. There have also been rumours in recent months that the Lakers could draft James’s eldest son, Bronny, this year. Bronny is considered a marginal NBA talent but LeBron, who holds immense sway in the franchise, would be pleased at having Hurley involved in his son’s development.
James has been open about his admiration for Hurley in the past. “He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their [offense]. Love it,” he posted on X recently.
Hurley coached Wagner and Rhode Island before UConn and has a 292-163 record as a head coach.
