Quick Bytes
- Shams Charania contradicts Adrian Wojnarowski’s report on Dan Hurley’s Lakers coaching candidacy.
- Hurley was not the Lakers’ top choice from the start, according to Charania.
- Despite a lucrative offer, Hurley chose to stay at UConn, raising questions about the Lakers’ search process.
Coaching Carousel: Lakers’ Search Continues Amid Conflicting Reports
The Los Angeles Lakers’ hunt for a new head coach took an unexpected turn with conflicting reports about UConn’s Dan Hurley being their top pick. Shams Charania of The Athletic refuted earlier claims by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, suggesting a different narrative.
Charania’s sources indicate that Hurley was not the Lakers’ initial choice, but became a candidate later in the process. The Lakers had already conducted interviews with other prospects, including JJ Redick and James Borrego. Despite a substantial six-year, $70 million offer, Hurley opted to remain at UConn, accepting a lesser deal. This decision has sparked debate over the Lakers’ intentions and the authenticity of their interest in Hurley.
Adding to the intrigue, former Lakers guard JR Smith, who was coached by Hurley in high school, advised him to stay at UConn, where Smith believes Hurley could become one of the all-time great college basketball coaches. With Hurley out of the picture, the Lakers’ search for a new leader continues, and the basketball community is keen to see which NBA media insider will accurately report the next development.
