Danny Hurley already has LeBron James’ blessing.
In an April tweet, James sarcastically praised JJ Redick, who was considered the Lakers’ front-runner for the vacant head coaching job, after he was seen talking with the UConn coach.
“He’s so awesome!!! And so is his staff,” James tweeted on April 19. “Their O’s are super creative! Love them.”
James’ fingerprints are all over the Lakers’ recruiting, Hurley has the future Hall of Famer’s approval and Redick already hosts the “Mind the Game” podcast with James.
Redick, a 15-year NBA veteran, was previously reported by The Athletic as a front-runner.
Redick would likely be the fallback choice if Hurley decides to stay in Storrs and try to win a third straight championship rather than move to the NBA and coach a storied franchise.
Having James’ approval seems like a good sign for Hurley, as the four-time NBA MVP holds a $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season.
If James leaves the team, the Lakers’ chances of winning the championship will change dramatically.
As the tweet noted, James is reportedly a big fan of Hurley’s offensive line.
Once known for his dogged attacking approach, Hurley has changed tactics over the past two years, working with assistant Luke Murray to adopt more European tactics.
UConn finished the 2023-24 season with the No. 1 adjusted offense. According to KenPom.
“LeBron James was impressed with Hurley’s polished offensive moves,” ESPN reported.
Another selling point for James is that Harley could get a chance to develop his son, Bronny, who is rumored to be a target for the Lakers to take with the 55th pick in the draft.
The University of Connecticut is expected to have two draft picks this year, meaning Hurley has had four players developed into first-round picks in the past three drafts.
James actually has a history of involvement with members of the UConn program.
James That same day, he tweeted glowingly about former Huskies guard Shabazz Napier. In 2014, Connecticut defeated Kentucky to win the national title.
“There’s no way we’re going to pick another PG in the lottery before Napier,” he tweeted.
James’ team at the time, the Heat, traded for Napier on draft night, but James left South Beach that summer and returned to Cleveland.
James then posted about Napier again during his time with Cleveland.
“My favorite player in the draft! #Napier” James tweeted that summer. About a point guard who had a middling career, mostly as a backup for six franchises over six seasons.
