Dan Hurley, the head coach of UConn Huskies, is reportedly considering a move to the NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers. According to multiple sources, Hurley met with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and vice president/general manager Rob Pelinka on Friday, June 6. The discussions were described as 'preliminary' but indicated that the Lakers are serious about hiring Hurley for their head coaching vacancy.
Hurley has led UConn to back-to-back national championships since taking over as head coach in 2018. He holds a win-loss record of 141-58 (.709) and is known for his successful college basketball career. The Lakers are reportedly impressed with Hurley's achievements and believe he can bring the same success to their NBA team.
Despite the allure of joining a storied franchise like the Lakers, Hurley has not made a decision yet. He returned to Storrs, Connecticut, on Saturday after his meeting with Pelinka and Buss. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Hurley plans to make his decision on Monday.
The Lakers are also reportedly planning to draft Bronny James in the upcoming NBA draft. The team is maintaining both their picks for this purpose, indicating a strong interest in the young prospect.
College coaches making the transition to professional sports is not unheard of. P.J. Carlesimo, who coached at Seton Hall before joining the Portland Trail Blazers, believes that college coaches can succeed at the NBA level if they have good players and a good fit.
The Lakers' decision to pursue Hurley comes after their disappointing 2023-24 season. The team finished with a record of 35-47, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. With LeBron James entering his mid-forties and Anthony Davis dealing with injuries, the Lakers are looking for a fresh start under new leadership.
The hiring of Hurley would mark a significant shift in coaching philosophy for the Lakers. He is known for his defensive-minded approach and disciplined style, which could bring a new energy to the team. However, some critics argue that his lack of NBA experience may hinder his ability to adapt to the professional level.
As Hurley weighs his options, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating this decision. The outcome will not only impact UConn basketball but also shape the future of the Los Angeles Lakers.