Dan Hurley Blasted for Ducking the ‘Smoke’ of Coaching LeBron James, After Caitlin Clark & Co’s Ousting in NCAA

Just when you thought that issue was finally being put to bed, another major development took place. Since last week, the rumors were running rampant that UConn instructor Dan Hurley was being considered by the Los Angeles Lakers to become their next head coach. According to reports, the Lakers were even willing to take in the 51-year-old for a whopping $70 million, more than double what he is set to earn with the college. Unfortunately, Hurley has now declined the deal, bringing the NBA franchise back to square one.

A few hours ago, renowned podcasters Chris Broussard and Rob Parker released another episode of ‘The Odd Couple’ podcast. They didn’t waste any time in bringing up Dan Hurley, with Broussard highlighting that being paid $70 million for six years would have made him one of the highest-paid coaches in one of the biggest basketball leagues. Rob Parker didn’t mince any words while criticizing the coach, stating “Dan Hurley is crazy. Dan Hurley will regret this going forward”. Furthermore, the two hosts were in disbelief that Hurley didn’t outright jump at the chance to train LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players to ever walk the paint of an NBA court.

“I think he doesn’t want the smoke,” said Parker. “He doesn’t want the real opportunity to do something”.

Both hosts admitted that coaching LeBron James is a challenge. After all, the rumors of rifts between the player and former head coach Darvin Ham are quite apparent. Furthermore, given his history with all of his other instructors during his 21-year NBA career, there is a reason why Lebron is referred to as the ‘coach killer’. Despite this, the duo highlighted that coaching someone like him along with a roster filled with Anthony Davis and a couple of young players, could go a long way in improving his status in the basketball world.

“You’re staying at college basketball, where they couldn’t even beat the women in the NCAA TV Ratings” Parker continued. “Nobody watches college basketball”. This remark was a reference to how the popularity of 22-year-old star Caitlin Clark, the final game of the Women’s Basketball Championship in April drew over 18.9 million viewers. In contrast, the final for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament drew only 14.8 million.

Caitlin Clark admires Dan Hurley’s decision to stay with the UConn Huskies

Despite Chris Broussard and Rob Parker’s constant jabs at Dan Hurley, not everyone was equally passionate in criticizing the college coach. While the final decision came as a shock to many, some respected the fact that Dan Hurley was looking to stay on and ensure that the UConn Huskies win their third championship in a row and secure the iconic ‘Three-Peat’ achievement for themselves. Amongst them was the person whom several reports have credited for the high viewership of the recent Women’s NCAA final game: Caitlin Clark herself.

In the aftermath of the Indiana Fever’s matchup against the Connecticut Sun, the 22-year-old was asked about her viewpoint on Dan Hurley’s decision. With a brief smile, she replied that going with the Lakers or staying with UConn were both “two really good options”. She later went on to praise Hurley, stating that his intensity, his coaching skills, and his ability to hold the players accountable speak volumes.

“I’ve really loved watching them over the course of the last couple of years, and I think it’s cool he’s staying in college basketball,” said Clark. “I think he really loves it and enjoys being around those young men. I’ve been a big fan of his and his program; they’ve been fun to watch.”

Would you agree with Caitlin Clark’s assessment? Let us know in the comments down below.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about WNBA star rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.