JR Smith warns Dan Hurley against taking Lakers job?

Sep 4, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Former NBA player J.R. Smith looks on from the 3rd hole during the third round of the Tour Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly hot on the trail of UConn’s Dan Hurley, who they are targeting as their next head coach. However, former Laker JR Smith has a warning for Hurley: Don’t do it.

On Friday afternoon, Smith shared a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, imploring Hurley to stay away from Los Angeles.

@danhurleyuconn don’t fall for it!

— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) June 7, 2024

It’s unlikely Hurley got the message because Smith tagged the wrong account.

But Hurley is no stranger to Smith. From 2002-04, he coached the two-time NBA champion at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, where Smith earned McDonald’s All-American honors as a senior before being selected 18th overall by New Orleans Hornets in the 2004 NBA draft.

Smith spent the 2020 season with the Lakers where he picked up his second and final NBA championship. He has yet to officially retire from the game of basketball and even hinted at a possible return last year.

Why Smith is so adamant that Hurley pass on the Lakers job is unclear. He didn’t provide any additional detail on X nor did he reply to anyone questioning his motives, but it’s unlikely he’s going to get his wish.