Connecticut basketball head coach Dan Hurley isn’t hurting for fans these days.
His Huskies won the last two NCAA national championships, effectively giving him free drinks throughout the Constitution State for the rest of his life.
He also has fans in the NBA, where the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing a “huge” long-term offer for Hurley, sources have said. ESPN.
But before Hurley can trade Storrs for Tinseltown, there’s the question of LeBron James’ future with the team. He is under contract for the 2023-24 season for $51 million, although the 39-year-old could exercise his player option to become a free agent this summer. And that puts Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka in the precarious position of weighing the team’s long-term goals against James’ short-term plans.
Luckily for Pelinka, it turns out Hurley has another fan in the four-time MVP.
Luckily for Dan Hurley, it turns out he has another fan in the four-time MVP.
LeBron James already expressed his admiration for UConn coach Danny Hurley’s offense
In response to an April podcast interview between Redick and Hurley, James shared his admiration for the Huskies coach on X: “He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with his ( offensive)! I love it.’
The son of Hall of Fame high school coach Bob Hurley Sr. and brother of former Duke star and NBA guard Bobby, the former Seton Hall guard has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks of the trainers. Since he took the job at Wagner in 2010, Hurley moved on to more prestigious jobs in Rhode Island and, eventually, Connecticut, where he won the last two national titles.
Over 14 seasons as a head coach, Hurley has compiled a 292-163 record while leading his teams to six NCAA Tournament berths and a pair of conference titles. He was also named Naismith Coach of the Year for the 2023-24 season.
Despite his success, Hurley’s revelation as a Lakers candidate, much less a favorite, is a surprise.
