Home/NBA

It has been a tough ride for Dan Hurley as he decided to refuse $70 million from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, it was not only Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss’s attempt at the UConn’s coach. A next of kin of Hurley’s family was also involved in the decision to motivate the Huskies’ guide to join the Lakers. The man himself revealed in his latest appearance in a podcast how his wife nearly persuaded him to join Rob Pelinka‘s dream as they moved up for an interview.

In his revelation on the YouTube podcast show, ‘LeBatardShow,’ Hurley explained his wife’s reaction when she got to know about Pelinka’s offer, She got violently angry and emotional. She got emotional like I can’t believe now you’re bringing this, our life is so great. Hurley’s wife, Andrea Hurley, did not want to consider the Lakers’ offer. However, later, she “warmed up to it” after meeting Pelinka and Jeanie Buss, as per Hurley. Moreover, the lucrative offer from the purple and gold jerseys’ front office almost got Hurley’s wife as “she was into it” initially.

However, as soon as the couple got back to their home in Connecticut, their minds could not think of the offer anymore. When we got back to Connecticut without having made a decision, and we got back home, you know, we both flipped back, Hurley explained how her wife’s mind suddenly took a turn after reaching home. It seems that the Hurley couple was not ready to let go of the stability that they have now. Moreover, Hurley has ambitions for his college team. It was a bold decision from Dan, considering the difference in salaries between his college team and the Lakers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What did Dan Hurley miss after refusing Rob Pelinka’s offer?

Considering what Pelinka offered Dan, the latter would have earned $11.6 million per year in comparison to his $5.3 million at Connecticut. Yet the Huskies coach repelled the offer. It seems that the money was not the primary concern for the 51-year-old. Nevertheless, it was a big opportunity and a riskier one. For now, Hurley has a well-built college team that has the potential to continue the winning spree. On the other hand, the Lakers seem to be a team of shattered gems.

USA Today via Reuters

However, these gems need to be strung by the thread of a superior coach with excellent coaching skills. Maybe Hurley was not ready to take that risk. It was like starting everything from scratch. At the start, he might even have to face criticisms about his experiments with the roster to find a perfect balance. It might not be a great experience for someone who has no prior experience as an NBA coach.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

It seems like Dan’s wife saved him from all of that. But it is not so good on the Lakers’ end, as they have to search for a suitable candidate again. JJ Redick is next in the line, but his interview is yet to happen.

Until the next update, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!