The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly close to hiring Dan Hurley for their head-coaching vacancy. The back-to-back NCAA championship-winning coach is interested in transitioning to the NBA, and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has confirmed mutual interest.
In a recent appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Wojnarowski mentioned that Rob Pelinka is expected to move quickly to secure Hurley.
“The timeline moves relatively quickly,” Wojnarowski said. “Whether that’s the weekend or early next week. I don’t think this is going to linger… The Lakers have been focused on Dan Hurley from the beginning… They see him as a coach who can establish a long-term program and have significant input on its direction.”
"The Lakers have Dan Hurley's attention right now." 👀 @wojespn with the latest on the Lakers' head coaching search: pic.twitter.com/VKXCJCaQn8
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 6, 2024
With Hurley’s openness to an NBA job now public, the Lakers are eager to finalize negotiations quickly. Hurley will have multiple offers from other teams, some potentially with less pressure than coaching in Los Angeles.
However, the chance to build a program and achieve long-term success in a major market like Los Angeles is rare. Hurley might be drawn to the opportunity with one of the league’s most storied franchises. He has proven his ability to create a winning culture and develop young talent.
Hurley’s candidacy for the Lakers’ job may surprise fans, but he is already seen as the best fit. Other teams might agree, so the quicker Pelinka secures Hurley’s contract, the sooner the Lakers can start preparing for next season.
