
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 8, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts against the Purdue Boilermakers in the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Apr 8, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts against the Purdue Boilermakers in the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are still the talk of the town even during the NBA Finals, and it’s all because of their offer to Dan Hurley. The UConn head coach rejected a $70 million offer from the 17x NBA champions, and NBA veteran Rashad McCants believes there’s more to it than we realize. Hurley’s decision to stay as the Huskies’ coach surprised the world. It is not every day that we witness a coach reject the opportunity to lead one of the biggest franchises in the world. McCants claims that this decision came with a personal motive.
“Woj being in cahoots with the family, the Hurleys, that’s a favor. ‘I need a favor, we need a favor,'” Rashad McCants said, via the Gil’s Arena. ESPN insider and analyst Adrian Wojnarowski was the first one to report about the Lakers’ interest in Hurley. Interestingly, he is also the author of the book ‘The Miracle of St. Anthony: A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball’s Most Improbable Dynasty.’ It was a fitting tribute to Dan Hurley’s father, Bob Hurley, one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history.
McCants believes that Wojnarowski has a good relationship with his family which is why he intended to do Dan Hurley a favor. He isn’t the only one, Gilbert Arenas also bashed Jeanie Buss and the Lakers over false reporting.
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Moreover, the reports about Dan Hurley and the Lakers did not align with other outlets’ reports. Several other insiders, including The Athletic’s Shams Charania, have mentioned that Hurley was not one of the main options for Jeanie Buss. The question is then- who was?
JJ Redick remains in question after Dan Hurley rejects the Lakers
Jeanie Buss and the Lakers fired Darvin Ham last month, after yet another playoff failure. Rumors that emerged over the last few weeks have mentioned several names to succeed him, including JJ Redick. It would be an interesting move for the Lakers, considering Reddick has no coaching experience apart from his sons’ basketball teams, let alone in the NBA.

via Getty
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 25: Former NBA player JJ Redick works for ESPN at Ball Arena on December 25, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
However, it is no secret that Redick’s understanding of the game is on another level. The way he strategizes based on his opponents’ strengths and weaknesses is beyond impressive. His ‘Mind The Game’ podcast with LeBron James has proven that exactly.
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Speaking of ‘King James’, their friendship and understanding could also play a role in the former Los Angeles Clippers star landing the job. Only time will determine how the Lakers’ future could go.
Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.
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