2024 Lakers Coaching Candidates: Hurley Shoots to Top of List
UConn Men's Basketball Coach Believed to Be Frontrunner
The Los Angeles Lakers have a habit of making headlines even when they’re not playing. With Game 1 of the NBA Finals taking place Thursday, the Lakers and their coaching search were a big topic of conversation. Coming out of left field was news that of all the 2024 Lakers coaching candidates –Â UConn coach Dan Hurley was the new frontrunner. The Lakers are reportedly preparing to make him a massive offer. Hurley did tell his team Thursday that he was in talks with the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s better to hear it from him than read media reports.
J.J. Redick was viewed as the favorite to take over the coaching job until Wednesday. That’s when the Hurley reports first started to pick-up some traction. Redick’s relationship with LeBron James was thought to be the factor that pushed him to the top of the list.
The two do the popular “Mind the Game” basketball podcast together. Also still in the running in the 2024 Lakers coaching candidates is James Borrego, the former San Antonio assistant to Gregg Popovich and coach of the Charlotte Hornets.
News is also floating about Anthony Davis isn’t entirely sold on Redick taking over as the Lakers head coach. Not only does he have some past history with Borrego, but he apparently hasn’t forgiven Redick for not voting for him in the All-Defensive Team voting.
The Lakers may not be able to keep James and Davis both happy with their coaching choice. Los Angeles may want Borrego on board as an assistant coach, but he’s still under contract with New Orleans. The Pelicans will let him leave to become a head coach, but may balk at him making a lateral move.
Hurley an Interesting Choice
The University of Kentucky tried to get Hurley, but he said he no interest coaching college basketball anywhere other than UConn. He did mention that he was open to the NBA at some point in his career. It’s doubtful he expected it so soon. Dealing with the Lakers roster will be much different than what he faced at UConn, but you can’t argue with his success.
Darvin Ham was let go after just two seasons. He wasn’t horrible, but the expectations for the Lakers are higher than most teams. The NBA standings 2024 had the Lakers at 47-35, but Ham was done in by the series loss to Denver. Los Angeles put up a fight and was 3-2 against the NBA spreads, but didn’t do enough to save Ham’s job. Ham was 90-74 with the Lakers and 9-13 in the playoffs.
Whether or not the Lakers can entice Hurley to leave UConn is another story. He’s been busy putting together another solid team for the 2024-25 season. With some returners, a couple of transfers and five-star recruit Liam McNeely, the Huskies are set to challenge for a third straight title. Money talks, however, and the Lakers can certainly offer him plenty.
The 2024 Lakers coaching candidates appears to be down to three primary names. Although when Los Angeles is involved, anything can happen and often does.
