The talk linking Dan Hurley to the Los Angeles Lakers is real, and the UConn coach has reportedly acknowledged it with his current players.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnaorwski dropped the bombshell report on Thursday morning that the Lakers have made Hurley a massive offer to become their next head coach. It sounds like Hurley has some level of interest, as the two sides are expected to hold discussions about a possible deal.
According to FOX college basketball reporter John Fanta, Hurley addressed the report with UConn players on Thursday. The coach confirmed that he is talking with the Lakers but said he wants to keep things “business as usual” in Storrs.
Dan Hurley met with his players at UConn this morning and informed them he's been in talks with the Lakers, a source tells Fox Sports. Hurley didn't want to hide the fact that this is real. Huskies have a noon practice and Hurley told his players it's business as usual for now.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) June 6, 2024
Hurley is coming off back-to-back national championships with UConn. The 51-year-old turned down one of the most prestigious jobs in college basketball, but he has left open the possibility of coaching in the NBA at some point. If Hurley does want to explore the NBA, the Lakers job would likely be a difficult one for him to ignore.
There have been numerous reports that the Lakers are planning to hire JJ Redick as their next head coach once the NBA Finals end. Redick, who is covering the Finals as an analyst for ESPN, even seemed to confirm on Wednesday that he has the job.
If Hurley truly has been the Lakers’ top choice from the start, it is possible he initially turned the job down and has since changed his mind.
