Los Angeles Lakers' timeline with Dan Hurley expected to move 'relatively quickly,' per report
News broke Thursday morning regarding the Los Angeles Lakers targeting their coaching search on UConn‘s Dan Hurley. Fresh off two national championships with the Huskies, Hurley has expressed interest in moving to the NBA in the past. Now, one of the most historic franchises in all of sports is calling and Hurley is considering the opportunity.
No matter what Hurley decides to do, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski expects the process to move “relatively quickly.” Wojnarowski believes Hurley wants to give UConn enough time to conduct their own coaching search if he does leave. On the flip, the Lakers need to find someone quickly, and waiting for Hurley only to have him stay in Storrs would detriment their search.
“I think the timeline moves relatively quickly,” Wojnarowski said. “Whether that’s the weekend, whether that’s early next week. I don’t think that this is going to linger with Dan Hurley having his UConn program and the uncertainty about what’s next for them. And the Lakers, who at some point, have to get on with their search.”
FOX’s John Fanta confirmed Hurley told current UConn players that he was speaking to the Lakers, proving both sides’ interest is legitimate.
“Dan Hurley met with his players at UConn this morning and informed them he’s been in talks with the Lakers, a source tells Fox Sports,” Fanta said via X. “Hurley didn’t want to hide the fact that this is real. Huskies have a noon practice and Hurley told his players it’s business as usual for now.”
College basketball seems to be a never-ending cycle, especially for a top program like UConn under Hurley. Recruiting, both high school and out of the NCAA transfer portal, never ends while schools are beginning to build their 2024-25 schedule.
The work-life balance would be quite different in the NBA but the Lakers do have a busy offseason ahead. You have the NBA Draft scheduled for June 26 and June 27, with free agency beginning just a few days later on June 30. Los Angeles has the biggest named free agent of them all, LeBron James, to resign. And the hope is he comes in to work with Hurley and potentially James’ son, Bronny.
It’s in both side’s best interests to make a decision quickly and Wojnarowski believes it will play out that way.