Quick Bytes
- Jeanie Buss, owner of the Lakers, aimed to hire Dan Hurley as head coach.
- Hurley declined the Lakers’ offer, opting to remain with UConn.
- JJ Redick has been appointed as the new head coach for the Lakers.
Lakers’ Coaching Change: Buss’s Disappointment and Redick’s Opportunity
The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a new head coach has culminated with the appointment of JJ Redick, following a failed attempt to secure Dan Hurley.
Despite the Lakers’ strong interest in Hurley, the UConn coach chose to stay in his current role, valuing the control he has within the collegiate system. This decision left Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ owner, notably disappointed, as she had been keen on bringing Hurley on board to help the team reclaim its top position in the NBA. The Lakers’ management, including GM Rob Pelinka, had been in agreement on the potential of Hurley’s leadership.
With Hurley out of the picture, the Lakers have turned their attention to Redick, who brings a commendable work ethic and a high basketball IQ to the table. While Hurley was the preferred choice for Buss and others within the Lakers’ organization, Redick’s appointment is seen as a promising alternative, with the shared goal of achieving success at the highest level firmly in mind.
Dan Hurley’s recent comments highlighted his reluctance to relinquish the control he enjoys at UConn, despite acknowledging that he could have worked well with Pelinka and the Lakers. The security and autonomy of his current position ultimately outweighed the allure of an NBA coaching opportunity.
