“You Are Coaching Players”: Gilbert Arenas Declares Major Issue as Lakers Eye 2x National Champion Head Coach

“He’s so DAMN GOOD,” King James had said about the Los Angeles Lakers’ latest coaching prospect a couple of months ago. The head coach of 2x defending NCAA champions, UConn Huskies, Dan Hurley is undoubtedly good. But will he be able to train and coach NBA players? These athletes aren’t quite like the young players he has previously trained in college. After all, it’s a job that has the fate of the Lakers riding on it. Many seem to hold the same opinion, including Gilbert Arenas.

The former Washington Wizards star shared his take on how Hurley’s previous role is different from the one he is expected to take on. Arenas explained how coaches in the NBA have lesser control over the players than in college basketball. “You have full 100%  control of it (college team). The NBA, you have zero, right?” He then mimicked what dealing with a regular NBA player is like.

“You can make me work as long as you want. You’re not going to make me work as hard as I want while I’m making $40 million right. I don’t feel like lifting weights today,” Arenas said on the Gil’s Arena podcast.

Agent Zero further added that while benched players in college are just happy to be part of the team, in contrast, there are highly competitive and skilled players also sitting on the benches in the NBA. Arenas stated that coaching in the NBA is coaching the players who are all different and possess unique skills.

“On the college bench, you got walk-ons that’s happy to be on the team. They are joyful to be on that team. You got people at the end of the NBA bench that is motherf*****g your ass right? So you can’t even look down on one of these guys,” Gilbert Arenas said. “That is the difference of when you go to the next level. So you have to understand you’re not coaching a team, you are coaching players.”

And as the 3x All-Star suggested, the UConn head coach would need to heed these points. But how did Hurley emerge as the frontrunner for the Lakers’ head coaching position all of a sudden?

Is LeBron James up for the decision to hire Dan Hurley?

Just a few days ago, the rumor mill was buzzing with reports that the Lakers are eyeing former NBA player JJ Redick for the position. A report by Shams Charania also stated the same. But the attention is right now directed toward Hurley who was largely responsible for leading Uconn Huskies to back-to-back NCAA titles.

Previously, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe pointed out how the Lakers are in need of developing their players. In that case, Hurley’s involvement might help the LA franchise. The coach currently boasts a record of 292-163 and was part of a 6-year deal worth $32 million.

Furthermore, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has always appreciated the coach’s skills. “He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their [offense]. Love it,” James replied to a tweet showing a conversation between Hurley and Redick.

While Hurley has a lot of coaching experience, he has to overcome this obstacle as mentioned by Gilbert Arenas. We are yet to find out whether Redick will make his coaching debut or if Hurley will become the second head coach to go straight from college to the NBA, following Billy Donovan.

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.