It seems like the Los Angeles Lakers have done everything from their side. Now, the ball is in the court of Dan Hurley. The 51-year-old UConn head coach has been the target of the Purple & Gold from the beginning of their search for a new HC. Having led the Huskies to two national titles back-to-back along with his tactical acumen and elite player development have been alluring factors for Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka to be diligent in their pursuit of Hurley.
In a telephonic interview with ESPN, the Naismith Coach of the Year shared that the Lakers made a very “compelling case and vision.” He also mentioned that he left “very impressed” with the Buss and Pelinka. However, Hurley also mentioned how much he loves what he built with UConn.
As per Wojnarowski, he arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday, met with the Lakers on Friday, and then traveled back on Saturday. Anyway, Dan had said that he would state his decision on Monday. But he might want to quickly hear what veteran analyst Colin Cowherd has to say about his potential move to LA. Jason Timpf once again joined the 60-year-old in his recent episode of “The Colin Cowherd Podcast.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Talking about the Dallas vs Boston game tonight, they slowly moved on to other storylines in the NBA. The Fox Sports employee believes it would be best if Hurley declined the Lakers’ offer. And he makes some “compelling” points, as well. “Wife’s happy. Closer to home. Easier Conference. You’ve got a star, but it’s not the burden of sort of LeBron at the end of his career or Anthony Davis.“
So, what exactly was he referring to here? Cowherd has the answers to that, as well.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers move could have a high chance of going wrong
Cowherd believes that it would be better suited for Dan Hurley to stay with the UConn Huskies until a vacancy opens up in New York. Now where did NYC come into the discussion? Colin’s argument for the Knicks opening is based on one of the faults of their coach, Tom Thibodeau. The 66-year-old has often been called out for making the star players of his team play extended minutes.
But Coach Thibodeau has one more year left on his contract and is expected to sign an extension this offseason. Although, Cowherd has proposed a scenario that could happen in the coming season. “Would it be shocking if next year, like this year, the Knicks fall apart in the playoffs? There’s some complaining about how hard Thibs coaches and the minutes he plays.”
In such a scenario, New York can get Dan Hurley to join them. Given that his wife, Andrea Hurley, is from New Jersey, it would be closer to home, too. Staying at Connecticut does provide him with probably a third straight national title. Hurley’s status at UConn is pretty much a legend. After all, he became the first coach since Billy Donovan in 2006-07 to win consecutive national championships.
Well, if Cowherd (his gut, more precisely) is to be believed, Hurley is not going to take the job with the Los Angeles Lakers. What do you guys think? Or what do your guts say? Let us know in the comments below!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates!