Why Did UConn Coach Dan Hurley Turn Down $70 Million Lakers Offer? A Closer Look at His Historic Decision

The Los Angeles Laker‘s seemingly endless search for a new head coach continues. According to reports this evening, Dan Hurley has rejected their offer, opting to stay with his current team, the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team. This news undoubtedly stings for Lakers fans who were hoping for a swift resolution. With Hurley out of the picture, the Lakers will have to resume their coaching interviews.

By declining the Laker’s offer, Dan Hurley passed up the chance to become one of the NBA’a six highest-paid coaches. The Lakers reportedly discussed a lucrative six-year, $70 million contract with him. However, Hurley is returning to the UConn Huskies, aiming for a historic consecutive NCAA championship. He’ll continue his coaching career there, building upon the six-year, $32.1 million deal he signed with UConn in 2023 after the previous season.

However, the Los Angeles Lakers weren’t the only team interested in Dan Hurley. According to a report by Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports, the University of Kentucky also reportedly pursued Hurley this offseason. They offered him a hefty $11 million per year, which would have made him the highest-paid coach in college basketball.

In the wake of Dan Hurley’s decision to stay put at UConn, the Los Angeles Lakers will regroup and resume their analysis of head coaching candidates before the upcoming draft. According to ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, James Borrego is expected to remain under consideration. Additionally, the Lakers could hold their first formal interview with former player J.J Redick, despite LeBron James’s initial reservations.

J.J Redick’s move to the Lakers uncertain

Before the rumor of Dan Hurley taking the Los Angeles Lakers head coach position, JJ Redick was the frontrunner. ESPN analyst Brain Windhorst, on his podcast Get Up, suggested the Lakers might even go with Redick and predicted an announcement after the NBA Finals. However, a key part of the Lakers decision-making process, LeBron James himself, reportedly expressed concerns about Redick’s lack of coaching experience.

Many fans might not be aware that LeBron James has co-hosted a podcast together since March. Despite their off-court bond, James reportedly expressed concerns about Redick’s lack of coaching experience, keeping their professional relationship separate. Currently, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers are the only NBA teams without a head coach. Reports suggest that New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego is the only candidate to have multiple interviews with the Lakers so far

With the NBA season nearing its conclusion, the Laker’s silence on their coaching hire is intriguing, Teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in JJ Redick, adding another layer to the situation. Who do you think the Los Angeles Lakers should choose as their next head coach? Share your thoughts in the comments below!