NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski suggests that UConn’s Dan Hurley is on the brink of deciding whether to accept the Los Angeles Lakers’ offer to become the team’s new head coach.
Wojnarowski’s insights indicate that Hurley is seriously considering the Lakers’ proposal and is expected to make a decision imminently.
“The timeline moves relatively quickly,” Wojnarowski said. “Now whether that’s the weekend, whether that’s early next week, I don’t think this is going to linger with Dan Hurley having this hangover his UConn program and having the uncertainty about what’s next for them.”
The Lakers are reportedly keen on securing Hurley as their next head coach, emphasizing a long-term commitment and presenting him with a substantial contract.
Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss are outlining their vision to Hurley, aiming to establish him as a cornerstone of the franchise’s coaching legacy.
“They’re going to present him with a massive long-term contract,” Wojnarowski noted. “Rob Pelinka, Jeanie Buss… they’re talking to him about putting a program in place in L.A. that they want him to be what they consider to be a legacy coach.”
Hurley’s potential appointment underscores the Lakers’ aspiration to build a sustainable program under his leadership, akin to the successful eras of Pat Riley and Phil Jackson.
“They see Dan Hurley as a coach who can be there a long time and put in place a program and give him a lot of voice about what’s it’s going to look like, what Lakers basketball is, what a Lakers player is,” Wojnarowski added.
While Hurley has expressed ambitions to coach in the NBA, the opportunity to lead a storied franchise like the Lakers presents an enticing proposition for the seasoned college coach.
“Dan Hurley has made no secret of his ambition to eventually coach in the NBA,” Wojnarowski remarked. “The opportunity is not only here now, but it’s at certainly one of the most storied teams in the league.”
The Lakers’ pitch emphasizes their track record of success and their ability to attract top-tier talent, providing Hurley with a compelling platform to pursue championship aspirations.
“If you want to win championships, you know you have to have great players to do it, the Lakers always give you an opportunity,” Wojnarowski explained.
As discussions between Hurley and the Lakers intensify, the prospect of him joining the team gains momentum, with both parties eager to reach a resolution.
“The Lakers have Dan Hurley’s attention right now. This conversation is escalating as we speak here into the weekend,” Wojnarowski said.
According to Wojnarowski, Hurley is set to meet Rob Pelinka and for the first time Jeanie Buss on Friday.
“Hurley knows Rob Pelinka. They have spent time together in the past, talked basketball. But this will be his first time meeting Jeanie Buss,” the insider said.
“The Lakers would love to have a deal with Dan Hurley wrapped up this weekend. I expect these talks will move quickly. There’s a lot of traction here between Hurley and the Lakers. But they have more talk to do whether there’s a fit here. Dan Hurley back at Connecticut has a chance to win a third straight NCAA championship.”
Stay tuned for further updates as Dan Hurley’s decision regarding the Lakers’ offer unfolds, potentially reshaping the landscape of NBA coaching dynamics.
