While the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley an offer he can’t refuse, a new report suggests a move to the NBA is far from guaranteed.
The basketball world was stunned earlier this week when it was revealed that the Lakers have focused on their new head coach search on UConn men’s basketball guru Dan Hurley. Heading into the week, it seemed like NBA veteran JJ Redick and former head coach James Borrego were the favorites to land the job. This was a major shift for the popular franchise.
Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers reportedly want to get deal done with Dan Hurley this weekend
Since the news broke, it seems like there is a wave of momentum pushing Hurley toward LA. The coach has led UConn to consecutive national championships and there are rumblings he has wanted to take on the challenge of leading an NBA team. It now seems like a foregone conclusion that the New Jersey native will take his talents to La La Land this week. And it has left the university in a very difficult situation.
However, there is renewed hope UConn won’t lose one of the best coaches in the storied program’s history. On Friday morning, veteran basketball reporter Jeff Goodman claimed that sources informed him “it’s ’50-50′ whether he heads to the NBA or returns to UConn.” The school allegedly has a “strong” contract offer on the table for Hurley, but it admittedly can’t reach the heights of what the Lakers could put forward.
While the LA job is certainly one that is coveted around the sport, the fact that they have fired two head coaches in three years, including one that led them to a championship four years ago in Frank Vogel, is something Hurley must seriously consider.
Although there may be nothing more for him to prove at UConn, being the undisputed face and overseer of a notable college sports program still offers major appeal. The Lakers and Dan Hurley are expected to have face-to-face discussions about a partnership this weekend.
