The University of Connecticut Huskies have clinched glory twice in the past two years. Their coach Dan Hurley is being praised all over the basketball circuit for his gaming acumen and the ability to breed a winning team by sheer teamwork. And for his achievement, the NBA team Los Angeles Lakers have set an eye on him, as per the latest sources. However, his decision might cost him $1.88 million if he reverts to the Lakers positive steps and takes a position with the NBA team.

The Lakers fired their head coach Darvin Ham after only two seasons in the role. And recently, the news was ripe with Hurley deciding to go to the Lakers. However, later reports surfaced that Hurley was in no mood to leave UConn. Let’s have a look at the truth for this moment.

Dan Hurley is not going to the Lakers as of now, reports John Fanta

In a recent interview at Gojo and Golic, celebrated analyst John Fanta spilled the beans at Hurley’s move towards his new job offer. As per Fanta, Hurley has not yet decided to transfer. His inside news brought a sigh of relief to many UConn fans.

“The Lakers have reached out to talk to Hurley. But that contract offer has not been signed. So, I think that behind the scenes, there will be a little bit of perplexing nature in stores wondering what’s going out what would be the hold up period but right now, there is a panic because we are not talking about a situation when he would just be leaving but it’s the timing. It’s June. Every college basketball head coach around the country that UConn were one on their wishlist, they’ve set their roster. They’re dealing out their NIL and their teams are practicing right now,” Fanta stated.

There are several problems surrounding Hurley’s transfer from UConn’s perspective. As per the NCAA rule, if a coach leaves a job, then the transfer portal opens for the next 30 days for its basketball athletes since it is a winter sport. This would mean that the new recruits who had committed to UConn would now be thinking twice about their decision. Plus, the athletes who have already started their practice at UConn for the next season would be short of the plan before a new coach is hired.

Secondly, from Hurley’s perspective, it would mean a loss of money. Hurley had inked a 6-year contract extension after he won his first Championship title with UConn in 2023. The contract is worth $32.1 million, as per USA Today. If he decides to go ahead with the Lakers then he will have a buyout worth $1.88 million and suppose if he decides to go ahead with another college basketball team, then the buyout will be around $7.5 million as per CGTN. But, if Hurley decided not to take the job, then let’s have a look at the two other coaches who can take his place.

If not Dan Hurley, then who?

The other two people who can sign a deal with the Lakers are JJ Redick and James Borrego. Redick is a former NBA player who played in the league from 2006 to 2021. He had a host of teams vying for him and his selection would mean that the Lakers would be interested in seeing their next season from a player’s perspective. This can have a lot of favorable gameplay for LeBron James.

The other coach in line is James Borrego. Borrego is the assistant coach at New Orleans Pelicans, a team where Redick played from 2019-21 but the two did not meet since Borrego came into this position in 2023. Borrego might come with a fresh perspective on coaching and help the Lakers restore their former glory.

While Hurley’s next step is not known, fans would be hoping that he takes the correct steps and does not leave UConn. As for Borrego and Redick, only time will tell who will triumph.

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.