NBA Rumors: Dan Hurley Confirms Lakers HC Talks with UConn Players amid Redick Buzz

Connecticut head men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley is doing his best to keep his current team up to date on what’s happening in the wake of rumors he could be taking the same job with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Per Fox Sports’ John Fanta, Hurley informed Huskies players on Thursday that he’s had talks with the Lakers because he didn’t want to hide what’s going on.

Fanta noted Hurley informed them it’s business as usual for now, as the Huskies have a practice scheduled for 12 p.m. ET.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier in the day that Los Angeles is “targeting” Hurley and is prepared to make him a “massive, long-term contract offer” in the coming days amid previous buzz that JJ Redick was emerging as the team’s top choice.

On Tuesday, Shams Charania reported the Lakers were “zeroing” in on Redick as the front-runner for the job after he became the first candidate to have an in-person meeting with the organization a few weeks ago.

Prior to Wojnarowski’s report Thursday, there was no indication that Hurley was even among those whom the Lakers were considering for the job. He noted the two sides have only had “preliminary contact” at this point, with more serious talks likely to happen soon.

In addition to hiring their next head coach, the Lakers are hoping to keep LeBron James. He has a $51.4 million player option for next season, but he could potentially sign a three-year deal worth up to $162 million with the Lakers if he opts out.

Hurley has established himself as arguably the best coach in college basketball over his first six seasons at UConn. He has a 141-58 overall record with the program, including a 68-11 mark with back-to-back national titles over the past two seasons.

Wojnarowski noted part of Hurley’s allure for the Lakers is his ability as a player-development coach given the new limitations teams face due to the NBA’s apron rules.

Anthony Davis will be the face of the Lakers whenever James leaves (either as a free agent or in the future when he retires), but their ceiling may be determined by what becomes of current players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and future draft picks.

Hurley’s history of success at Connecticut at least bodes well for his ability to be a good head coach at the NBA level if that comes to pass.

The Lakers fired Darvin Ham after two seasons on May 3. He went 90-74 with two playoff appearances, including a trip to the 2023 Western Conference Finals.