Dan Hurley Reveals Finances May Have Played Role In Turning Down LA
Should LA have come with a better offer?
The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent attempt to hire UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley has generated significant buzz. The Lakers’ interest in Hurley was unexpected, but they ultimately failed to secure him.
Reportedly, Los Angeles extended a six-year, $70 million offer, which fell short of the anticipated “godfather” offer. Many speculate that this comparatively low offer influenced Hurley’s decision to decline, and recent insights seem to support this theory.
Hurley appeared on the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz and seemed to hint that the financial aspect of things did factor into his decision.
“To say that it’s not a motivating factor – the finances –to leave a place, it’s definitely a thing…To leave all that behind, there probably is a number. I don’t know what that is.”
With this news emerging, many will likely place more blame on the Lakers’ front office. However, the offer extended to Hurley was quite generous for someone without NBA coaching experience.
Hurley would have been among the highest-paid NBA coaches, despite his inexperience at this level. It was a gamble for both parties, and Hurley apparently isn’t ready to leave UConn.
Despite a strong effort, it didn’t work out for Los Angeles. The Lakers will now look elsewhere, possibly returning to the original favorite, former NBA guard JJ Redick.
This past week has been tumultuous for the Los Angeles Lakers. Initially, they attempted to hire UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley but failed. Subsequently, a narrative emerged suggesting Hurley used the Lakers to negotiate a better contract at UConn.
While the Lakers have been used for leverage before, it’s particularly stinging coming from a college coach. Despite suspicions about Hurley’s genuine interest in the Lakers, he appears to have dismissed those claims.
Hurley appeared on the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz and completely ripped apart the leverage narrative.
““One of the worst takes I’ve heard is that this was a leverage play…I don’t need leverage here. We’ve won back to back national championships.”
Although Hurley denied this narrative, the entire situation still feels somewhat strange. He may have genuinely been torn between heading to Los Angeles or staying at UConn, but it didn’t reflect well on the Lakers.
Hurley could have provided the team with a fresh direction, but now they must seek another candidate for the head coaching position. The Lakers are reportedly set to interview presumed favorite JJ Redick this weekend, with a potential deal on the horizon.
If Redick is hired, an experienced staff would be essential due to his lack of coaching experience. The Lakers’ next steps remain uncertain, but at least the leverage rumors can be dismissed now.
