The Lakers fans are back in a tense situation, and this time the playoffs are not a reason. The LA side is on a hunt to fill their head coaching vacancy, and with an offer made to UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley, the big answer awaits. The deadline is on Monday, and reports have revealed the offer made to the 51-year-old is very “compelling“. However, what does Hurley want? It might not be favorable for the Lakers, says Adrian Wojnarowski. Also, this comes after a concerning heads-up from Charles Barkley.  

Wojnarowski gave an update on the potential deal between Hurley and the Lakers. “He [Hurley] tells me that he expects to make a decision, Monday, on his future. He is weighing what I’m told is a massive long-term offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent Friday with Rob Pelinka, Jeanie Buss of the Lakers. He told me that they made a compelling case.” Doesn’t that sound good for the Lakers, but let’s hold out horses. 

“But he loves what he has at UConn, trying to potentially return and win a 3rd straight NCAA championship. Massive implications in both the NBA and college basketball. And again Dan Hurley tells me he will make his decision tomorrow,” Wojnarowski revealed on NBA Countdown. Hurley led the Huskies to back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024. He also won the Naismith Coach of the Year award this year. It’s safe to say Hurley has no reason to leave UConn at this point, with the impeccable run they are having.

Anyhow, coaching a team in the NBA is a dream for many. Wojnarowski has given a heads-up. Now let’s listen to what Charles Barkley had to say about Hurley’s potential deal with the Lakers. 

Charles Barkley reveals the “approval” Dan Hurley needs to lead the Lakers

We are not going to speak about the skills or the mentality required. Rather, this is an approval from someone the Lakers value. Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss are obviously desperate to land Hurley. However, Barkley believes the 51-year-old head coach needs LeBron James’s approval. He shared in his interview with Dan Dakich, “I love Danny Hurley. He gonna have to have LeBron’s approval.” The Lakers have valued the King’s choices since he joined the Western Conference. But in this case, it might be an exception. 

LeBron James has made it clear that he will not stand as a hindrance in the decision that the Lakers will be taking on their head coaching vacancy. The LA unit is under pressure to use James’s last few seasons in the NBA efficiently. A wrong move might put the team back in the same position. Anyhow, the King has given the green light and now the Lakers await Hurley’s decision. 

Even if Hurley declines the tempting offer, JJ Redick is still in conversation. However, when it comes to the best option, it should be Dan Hurley. Making Redick the head coach is an experiment, but we are aware of what the UConn coach is capable of.

Let’s wait and watch the Lakers make the move. 

Before you go, do not forget to check out how Caitlin Clark’s humility despite the negativity surrounding her is impressing Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato. Keep checking this space for more such updates.