Lakers reportedly targeting UConn’s national champion coach Dan Hurley

The Los Angeles Lakers want to hire Dan Hurley, who has led UConn to back-to-back NCAA national titles, as their next coach. according to ESPN.

Hurley is known for his tactical prowess and ability to develop players, traits that have made him the Lakers’ top target in their bid to replace Darvin Ham, who was fired in May after the team lost in the first round of the had lost the competition. playoffs.

Hurley signed a six-year contract worth $32 million with UConn last year and ESPN reports the Lakers are offering him a lucrative, long-term deal. The Lakers are said to have had preliminary discussions with the 51-year-old, who has discussed his ambition to coach in the NBA but has not yet made a formal offer.

Hurley’s reputation for developing player talent could be a particular draw for the Lakers. New competition rules make it harder for teams to be built around three star players, making developing younger players more important. Hurley could theoretically help improve talented younger players already on the Lakers roster, such as Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Max Christie, behind their established stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. There have also been rumors in recent months that the Lakers could draft James’ eldest son, Bronny, this year. Bronny is considered a fringe NBA talent, but LeBron, who has enormous influence in the franchise, would be happy to see Hurley involved in his son’s development.

James has been open about his admiration for Hurley in the past. “He’s so damn GOOD!!! Together with his staff. Super creative with them [offense]. I love it,” he recently posted on X.

Hurley coached Wagner and Rhode Island before UConn and has a 292-163 record as a head coach.