The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have done everything they can to lure Dan Hurley from the University of Connecticut Huskies to the storied NBA franchise, but the clock is ticking on his decision.
Hurley is expected to make a final decision on Monday. He told ESPN The Lakers made a “compelling case” to leave college basketball and the East Coast for the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.
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University of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley is expected to decide Monday whether to join the Lakers. (AP Photo/Steven Sene/File)
He said he was “very impressed” with his meeting with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and team owner Jeanie Buss.
ESPN reported Thursday that the Lakers and Hurley plan to “intensify discussions” in the coming days about the possibility of Hurley leading the two-time national champions in Los Angeles. The team is reportedly planning to offer Hurley a “significant, long-term contract.”
Hurley, 51, reportedly wanted to stay in Storrs, Connecticut, to try for a third straight championship but left himself room to pursue his dream of becoming an NBA head coach.
He signed a six-year, $32.1 million contract last summer. CT insider It was reported in April that a different deal was in discussion.
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Former Orlando Magic guard JJ Redick (center) leaves the court after being honored by his team during the first half of a game against the New York Knicks on Feb. 14, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack/File)
The Lakers were also rumored to be targeting JJ Redick to be their next head coach. of AthleticA report cited by The New York Times reported Tuesday that the team is “targeting” the former Duke University star to take the reins.
If he chooses Los Angeles, Hurley would replace Darvin Ham, who led the team to the Western Conference finals last year, and it would also fill a gaping hole at the head coaching position at the University of Connecticut.
ESPN reported that the Lakers have been interviewing several other candidates in case they are unsuccessful in acquiring Hurley, with New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego being one of the few candidates who had two in-person interviews.
LeBron James was also clearly a factor in the Lakers’ pursuit of Hurley, and when the news first broke, James seemed to endorse Hurley as head coach.
“He is absolutely amazing!!! His staff is amazing too. [offense]”I love you,” he wrote to X.
Dan Hurley (WWE/Getty Images/File)
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James is set to become a free agent and could be playing for a new team before the summer is over.
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