Lakers Set To Make Huge Offer To Dan Hurley, But He’s Likely To Stay At UConn

The Los Angeles Lakers are attempting to make a splash in their search for a new head coach, and they’re turning to the college ranks to do so.

More specifically, UConn coach Dan Hurley, who’s led his team to each of the past two national championships.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Lakers are “preparing a massive, long-term contract offer to bring the back-to-back NCAA national champion to the NBA.”

There’s no word on how Hurley feels about such a looming offer, though sources have told Hoops Wire they believe he is likely to remain at UConn and continue to build championship contenders.

“No one is really saying as much, but the Lakers job could be thankless,” said one source. “Dan has a good thing going right where he is.”

This has been quite a curveball when it comes to the news about the Lakers — who repeatedly have been linked to former NBA shooting guard JJ Redick and current New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego in their coaching search. Those two are said to be the frontrunners, with Redick reportedly having the inside track.

But perhaps those reports were premature. So, enter Hurley.

“Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka and governor Jeanie Buss are eager to formally discuss with Hurley their vision of marrying his dominant program — built upon his tactical acumen and his elite player development — with the storied Lakers brand,” Wojnarowski wrote, citing sources.

Interestingly, it’s 20 years to the summer that the Lakers tried to pry legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski away from Duke with a massive offer. Krzyzewski stayed at Duke and from the sounds of things, Hurkley will do the same at UConn.