After the Los Angeles Lakers decided to part ways with head coach Darvin Ham, the franchise has been actively looking to lock in another potential for that position. Until a few days ago, the frontrunner in the race was former Orlando Magic player JJ Redick. However, recent revelations have now suggested that the Lakers will go on to choose UConn Head Coach Dan Hurley for the top position. According to ESPN, both sides “are planning to escalate discussions in the coming days”. This scenario raises the question: Did JJ Redick’s former coach play a hand in ruining his chances? After all, it would make more sense than for LeBron James to ‘betray’ his podcast partner.

Almost three weeks ago, the NBA world was swirling with the rumor that former college coach Mike Krzyzewski, more famously known as ‘Coach K’, was being referred to as an ‘unofficial resource’ in the Lakers’ Head Coach search. The 77-year-old served as an instructor for Duke University for over 42 years and in the past has coached star players like Seth Curry, Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, etc. Krzyzewski was also present when JJ Redick arrived at the college as a freshman in 2002. Despite the earlier affiliation that Coach K shared with his former student, Barstool Sports podcaster Dan Katz has now come to the opinion that the sudden pivot from Redick to Hurley may have Krzyzewski’s fingerprints all over the plan.

Kats took to X to proclaim: “He (Coach K) knew Hurley would surpass him in record speed. So what does he do? He becomes an ‘unofficial resource’ in the Lakers HC search and tells them Hurley is the only guy for the job”.

Even though Coach K is now retired from college basketball, Katz believes that the 77-year-old still keeps an eye on the latest happenings revolving around the world. After being named the head coach of the UConn Huskies, Dan Hurley made great strides in taking the team to a whole new level. Thanks to his efforts, the college roster was able to secure the NCAA Division I Championship Title twice, in 2023 and 2024. If the same pace had continued, then it wouldn’t have taken Hurley long to surpass the five championship titles Krzyzewski had helped Duke secure between 1991 and 2015.

“Just so sad that Coach K can’t leave the College game alone in retirement,” Katz continued. “He isn’t content just walking off into the sunset. He has to also ruin the entire sport and try to completely kill it forever”.

JJ Redick or Dan Hurley: Which direction is LeBron James leaning toward?

After the 2023 championship, UConn had signed Dan Hurley up to a six-year contract extension that would pay him a total of $32.1 million. The Lakers, in turn, could put him up at a much higher contract. While the Lakers Management is reportedly impressed with everything that Hurley could offer to the NBA team, speculation is still running rampant on which direction is the team’s lead scorer, LeBron James, leading towards.

ESPN journalist Dave McMenamin recently took to his X account to provide an update on the Lakers’ HC coach. According to sources, LeBron James has “not had any conversations with the Lakers about Dan Hurley—or JJ Redick”. Furthermore, he has reportedly distanced himself from the entire coaching search process in general.

Being co-hosts of the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast, LeBron James and JJ Redick have proven that they share a professional relationship built on mutual respect and admiration. This bond was reportedly absent between the All-Time Leading Scorer and Darvin Ham. At the same time, LeBron has also publicly sung the praise of Dan Hurley and his coaching staff. Barely a few months ago, LeBron highlighted an interview in which the UConn instructor was discussing his ‘Huskies Offense’. He put up a positive reaction upon listening to the detailed explanation by stating “He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O! Love it”.

While LeBron James shares a good bond with JJ Redick, Dan Hurley brings with him loads of coaching experience. Therefore, no matter who gets selected as the next Head Coach, the Lakers lead scorer would probably be willing to work alongside them to help secure another ring for the franchise.

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.