Danny Hurley appeared to be the primary target of the Los Angeles Lakers’ ongoing coaching search. However, the two-time defending national champion at UConn declined the offer from one of the most prestigious franchises in sports.
Despite the opportunity to coach LeBron James in the latter stages of his career and enjoy Southern California’s great weather, Hurley chose to stay with UConn and pursue a three-peat in his native Northeast.
LeBron James reached out to Hurley over the weekend, sending incredible text messages about basketball and expressing his support if Hurley joined the Lakers. Hurley was blown away by the exchange but ultimately decided to go in a different direction.
Few coaches have turned down the Lakers, but Hurley cited reasons such as the insufficient contract offer and the state of the Lakers’ roster and assets. With LeBron turning 40 at the end of the year and Anthony Davis also aging, the team lacks significant assets beyond Austin Reaves and has limited future draft picks.
Hurley may be waiting for an offer from a team with a brighter future. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ coaching search is reportedly shifting toward former NBA shooting guard and current ESPN analyst JJ Redick, someone LeBron is familiar with.
James has an opt-out in his contract this year, but he is expected to return to the Lakers next season.
