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Lakers made 'compelling arguments' for accepting head coaching job, Dan Hurley says

Lakers made 'compelling arguments' for accepting head coaching job, Dan Hurley says

The Los Angeles Lakers appeared to have made the best possible case to bring Dan Hurley from the UConn Huskies to the legendary NBA franchise as time runs out on their decision.

Hurley plans to make a final decision on Monday, but told ESPN that the Lakers made a “compelling argument” for leaving college basketball and the East Coast for the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles.

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UConn head coach Dan Hurley plans to make a decision about joining the Lakers on Monday. (AP Photo/Steven Senne/File)

He said he came away from his meeting with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and team owner Jeannie Buss “extremely impressed.”

The Lakers and Hurley planned to “elevate discussions” about the possibility of the back-to-back national champion leading Los Angeles in the coming days, ESPN reported Thursday. The team reportedly plans to offer a “massive long-term contract” to Hurley.

Hurley, 51, reportedly left the door open to follow his dream of being an NBA head coach despite wanting to stay in Storrs, Connecticut, to compete for a third title.

He signed a six-year, $32.1 million deal last summer, and CT Insider reported in April that another contract was being discussed.

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Former Orlando Magic guard JJ Redick, center, leaves the court after being honored by the team during the first half 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 as their next head coach. The Athletic, cited by the New York Times, reported Tuesday that the team was “focusing” on the former Duke star to take the reins.

If he chooses Los Angeles, Hurley will replace Darvin Ham, who led the team to the Western Conference Finals last year. He would also leave a big void in the head coaching position at UConn.

Should the Lakers' pursuit of Hurley fail, ESPN reported that the team has interviewed several other candidates, with New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego being one of the only candidates to have had two interviews in person.

LeBron James is also an apparent factor in the Lakers' pursuit of Hurley. When the news broke, James seemed to lend his support to Hurley as head coach.

“He is SO GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with his [offense]. I love it,” he wrote on X.