The Los Angeles Lakers will head back to the coaching drawing board after being turned down by UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley.
Hurley reportedly decided against a six-year, $70 million deal to become the Lakers’ head coach, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Hurley staying with UConn leaves the Lakers in a tough spot, as they’ll either pivot to someone like former NBA player JJ Redick or look for a top-rated assistant on a contending team.
However, the move also highlights that even an illustrious job like Los Angeles with an all-time talent in LeBron James isn’t necessarily enough to lure a top coaching target these days on name and reputation alone.
BREAKING: Connecticut’s Dan Hurley has turned down the Los Angeles Lakers’ six-year, $70 million offer and will return to chase a third straight national title, sources tell ESPN. LA would’ve made him one of NBA’s six highest paid coaches. pic.twitter.com/hEXo3o00SR
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2024
Being that the Lakers are one of the NBA’s legacy programs, fans had a blast trolling Los Angeles after missing out on Hurley in such a public way.
https://t.co/QquzNREDo7 pic.twitter.com/D5tcnP734g
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) June 10, 2024
How embarrassing for the Lakers organization and frankly the entire city of Los Angeles. https://t.co/RmiGknhN6Q
— Joe Shōgun (@BostonJerry) June 10, 2024
Why would he want to coach a team where he’d constantly be undermined? https://t.co/3bHPym2GPB
— Jose Sanchez III (@JSanchezFN) June 10, 2024
Rob Pelinka: we can’t wait for next season
Dan Hurley: pic.twitter.com/LU6XwUtzIv
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) June 10, 2024
Lakers fans hearing the Dan Hurley news
— Overtime (@overtime) June 10, 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers pulling up to JJ Redick's house like pic.twitter.com/FqGmQSQUys
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) June 10, 2024
Hey @Lakers pic.twitter.com/UEGiJm94Ja
— No Escalators (@NoEscalators) June 10, 2024
The Lakers are really one of the top global sports brands and are REALLY being run on some “well how are we gonna keep the restaurant open after dad and mom aren’t around anymore” vibes
— Mike Guardabascio (@Guardabascio) June 10, 2024
JJ Redick pulling back up to the Lakers facility today pic.twitter.com/suwLpXzLTJ
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) June 10, 2024
no
— Did the Lakers Win? (@DidTheLakersWlN) June 10, 2024
