Endorsed by LeBron James, UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley has became a top target for Lakers. After bagging the national championship twice in two years, Hurley could jump to NBA to revive Los Angeles based side. The franchise is reportedly willing to make Hurley one of the highest paid coaches in the league and the early hints suggest they might succeed in their plans. However, if Hurley decides to take the leap, he might lure another big name from the UConn camp.

Lakers have been on the hunt for a seventh HC in 13 seasons after they parted ways with Darvin Ham following the 4-1 first round playoff exit. This search has led them to UConn, and Dan Hurley could arrive at the Lakers with his own plans.

Celebrated basketball reporter Adam Zagoria came forward on the social media networking platform X to declare that there is no update regarding which side Hurley might sway. As per his tweet, Hurley and the UConn staff haven’t reached out to their new recruits to inform them which way Hurley will go.

The tweet also notes, “Danny and Luke Murray were at Billy Joel last night at MSG and there will reportedly be a UConn team meeting today. Imagine we’ll know something today.” What comes as a surprise is that Hurley might not be the only one to leave the Huskies, if he decides to do so.

As per Fox Sports’ journalist John Fanta, the two other people he might take with him to the Lakers are associate head coach Kimani Young and assistant coach Luke Murray. Both coaches have a good repo in the college basketball circuit but have stuck with the Storrs because it is a highly acclaimed program. However, the situation could change if neither Young or Murray are offered the HC role at UConn after Hurley’s possible departure. 

“Based on what I have heard, it looks like whoever wouldn’t get elevated would join Hurley in the NBA — especially if Murray is not named head coach, he would follow Hurley to L.A. — thus giving that person a nice concession prize and the opportunity to land a head coaching job down the road,” Fanta had written as per Lakers Nation.

Murray has been a big part of Hurley’s success at UConn. His knowledge and acumen is something Hurley will be keen to bring over, if he decides on a move to L.A. Murray has been seen as the man behind Hurley’s offensive design, with an elite-level knowledge of X’s and O’s.

His salary at UConn in 2023 was  $540,706, so he may not need to make the jump, especially if the program gives him the chance to succeed Hurley. But, Hurley wants him at Lakers, the franchise will be keen to bring him in.

The decision to appoint Hurley is a bold one. Coaches making the move from college basketball to NBA have had mixed results. In fact, only Larry Brown has been able to win championships at both the college and professional level, doing so with Kansas in 1988 and Detroit Pistons in 2004 respectively.

But Lakers are adamant and especially after LeBron James publicly endorsed him, Hurley’s stock has risen. In April, Hurley appeared on the JJ Redick’s “The Old Man and the Three” podcast and gave an insight at the offense he runs with the Huskies. He also mentioned how some of his sets have been inspired by what he has seen in football. A clip from the podcast, where Hurley talked about this was shared on X, prompting a response from James.

Sharing the video, King James commented, “He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O! Love it.” Hurley also received backing from Lakers legend Magic Johnson after he met with Lakers’ officials. Johnson tweeted, “I’m so excited and thrilled! This would be a game changer for the Lakers organization, LeBron, AD, the rest of the Laker players, Laker Nation and the NBA!.” 

Hurley’s contract at University of Connecticut is worth a reported $32.1 million over six years. While Lakers’ recent history with coaches when it comes to financial agreements is nothing encouraging, they may have to pay Hurley his worth, if they see him as a long term option. And he may not come alone, with Murray now likely to follow Hurley, if UConn don’t offer him the HC role.

And hence, the eyes are completely locked on Luke Murray, who will bring his own Hollywood flavor to Los Angeles.

Luke Murray’s Hollywood connection

Luke Murray is the son of the celebrated Hollywood actor, Bill Murray. Luke has held the position of assistant coach since 2008. He started with the Post Eagles and has made multiple switches to reach where he is with the Huskies. Murray became the assistant coach for the Storrs in 2021 and has been part of their two unforgettable campaigns in 2023 and 2024 when they bagged the national championship.

Other than that, he is also the offensive coordinator with the Huskies. Therefore, he has played a major role in lifting the Huskies to where they are and a potential loss of Murray would mean not only rebuilding the team but also the coaching staff.

It will be interesting to see what decision Hurley takes and whether Murray follows suit or not. For Lakers’ fans this is an exciting time, as getting a coaching staff with an experience of winning, albeit at college level, promises a solid future.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.