Ex-NBA Star Feels Dan Hurley’s $70 Mil Rejection of LeBron James’ Lakers Has Cost Him Dearly

Dan Hurley’s recent decision of not accepting a 6-year $70 million contract with LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers, was one that most would’ve grabbed without a second thought. Instead, he picked a different offer. However, this decision of his has stirred up some debates, with Ex-NBA star and Sacramento Kings legend Eddie A. Johnson weighing in on the topic with some speculation.

The Los Angeles Lakers are a well-established name in the league. Anyone directly involved with them has leverage. Eddie Johnson believes that the Lakers’ offer for Hurley could have been an opportunity for him to work with a team that has high pressure and expectations involved with coaching. “Passing up 20 million was all about the pressure of leaving a comfortable place and going to an iconic franchise with loads of pressure,” wrote Johnson in his post.

The presence of LeBron James and his son Bronny James has made the Lakers a team to watch during the upcoming season. With the Lakers debuting with their first father-son duo, spectators have high hopes and expectations for the team. “Winning a title in LA with an older LBJ carries more cache than anything he would achieve,” added Johnson. If the Lakers won the championship in the upcoming season, it would not only add to the team’s historic achievement but also to Hurley’s profile.

Coaching the Lakers is a different ball game altogether when compared to the UConn Huskies. The NCCA requires coaches to develop players along the course, primarily focusing on growth and skill, whereas the NBA demands the development of players that can produce immediate results.

Though the reason why Hurley has rejected the Lakers offer is not known, it has been a subject of much speculation. But, Hurley has moved on and has signed a new deal.

Dan Hurley extends contract with the UConn Huskies

Dan Hurley is going to stay put in Connecticut. He signed a $50 million contract extension with the UConn Huskies making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NCAA. “Dan Hurley is the best men’s basketball coach in the nation, and we are delighted that he will continue to call UConn home,” said UConn President Radenka Maric.

Hurley’s contract included a base salary of $400,000 per year for 6 years, with an additional retention bonus of $1 million at the end of each year. In the past, the Huskies have won 2 NCAA championships under the guidance of coach Hurley.

Despite back-to-back insecurities, the Huskies have managed to win consecutive championships. And now, Hurley will continue to develop new talent along the course and pursue the team’s goal of achieving a 3 peat. This highlights the Huskies’ values for consistency and stability, ensuring that talent is recruited and developed over the years.

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