NBA Rumors: Dan Hurley, Lakers Reports Stunned Insiders amid JJ Redick Buzz

The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of UConn head men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley to fill their head coaching vacancy reportedly shocked many in and around the NBA.

Speaking Saturday on The Lowe Post podcast (beginning at the 40:10 mark), ESPN NBA insider Zach Lowe discussed the unexpected nature of Hurley entering the fray, saying:

“The reaction around the league for the last 48 hours…and this includes like coaching agents I talked to who have at least been on the periphery of this process with their clients was, ‘What?’ Like, people did not hear a whisper of this. I didn’t hear a whisper of this.”

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday that the Lakers were “preparing a massive, long-term contract offer” in an effort to lure Hurley away from UConn and make him the organization’s next head coach following the firing of Darvin Ham.

Prior to Hurley’s name entering the discussion, the Lakers had interviewed multiple candidates for their head coaching position.

Per Wojnarowski, the Lakers spoke with former NBA guard JJ Redick, Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, Denver Nuggets assistant David Adelman and former Charlotte Hornets head coach and current New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported earlier this week that the Lakers were “zeroing in” on Redick, making him the front-runner for their head coaching job despite his lack of coaching experience.

Now, the Lakers are honing in on Hurley, and Wojnarowski reported that they met with him Friday about the job.

Back in April, Lakers superstar LeBron James took to X to praise Hurley for his coaching, particularly on the offensive end:

While speaking about the possibility of the Lakers hiring Hurley, Lowe also commended Hurley’s offensive mind, but questioned if he will be able to tailor is demeanor to the NBA game:

“There is no doubt about Dan Hurley’s tactical acumen on any level. In-game adjustments, big-picture creativity, philosophical creativity. The only question is what you and I have said about his intensity–scaling it down to fit the NBA rhythms and pace of an 82-game schedule.”

The transition from college to the NBA can be a tough one for coaches, as many top college coaches have faltered in the professional ranks over the years, including Rick Pitino, John Calipari and many others.

Hurley’s track record of success is undeniable, though, as he lead the Huskies to back-to-back national championships, making them the first team to accomplish that feat since Florida in 2006 and 2007.

In L.A., Hurley would have the chance to coach two future Hall of Fames in James and Anthony Davis, giving him a strong foundation on which to build a championship team.

Even so, making the leap to the NBA would be a risky move given that his success at UConn means he could likely have job security there for years to come.