The LA Lakers’ head coaching search appears to have focused on University of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley, and they have received an endorsement from Nuggets coach Michael Malone. Appearing on The Jim Rome Show, Malone shared his longstanding friendship with Dan Hurley and expressed confidence in Hurley’s ability to transition from collegiate to NBA coaching.Malone said:
“I think Danny can do a hell of a job coaching in the NBA. Coaching is coaching. It’s relationships.”
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.The Nuggets coach also praised Hurley’s offensive and defensive strategies.
“I think Danny Hurley is a great coach. You look at what he’s done at UConn, back-to-back championships,” he said.
“We were actually in Utah, and we watched the championship game as a staff, and I was so impressed with not only their offense. Everybody talks about their offense—I thought their defense was outstanding.”
Expand Tweet
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers are preparing a “massive, long-term contract” for Hurley. This news followed Shams Charania of The Athletic’s report that the Lakers are finalizing a contract offer for JJ Redick, who has a show with their superstar LeBron James.At UConn, Dan Hurley has transformed the school’s basketball program into a national powerhouse over his six-year tenure.Under Hurley’s leadership, UConn has made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024. The 2023-24 season saw the Huskies set a program record with 37 wins, finishing 37-3, and winning the NCAA Tournament by a combined 140 points, an NCAA record.
also-read-trending
Trending
Hurley was named the 2024 BIG EAST Coach of the Year and the Naismith College Coach of the Year. His overall record at UConn stands at 141-58 (.709), with an NCAA Tournament record of 8-4.
Lakers reportedly offering Dan Hurley a contract worth north of $100 million
Although Dan Hurley has no NBA experience, the Lakers are reportedly offering him a contract that would place him among the league’s highest-paid coaches. John Fanta of Fox Sports said on The Zach Gelb Show that the Lakers are offering Hurley a deal exceeding $100 million.
“Can you say no and stomach saying no to nine figures? I have it on good authority the Lakers are offering him at least $100 million guaranteed,” he said.
Expand Tweet
Some of the NBA’s top-paid coaches, like Gregg Popovich, signed a five-year deal worth over $80 million in 2023. Erik Spoelstra inked an eight-year, $120-million deal in January.Offering such a substantial amount to Hurley likely indicates the Lakers’ desire for stability in the coaching position and the establishment of a strong culture moving forward.
