The race to become LeBron James’ potential next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is heating up.
Former NBA star turned broadcaster JJ Redick has been heavily linked to the job since Darvin Ham was fired by Los Angeles.
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Along with his TV roles at ESPN, Redick also hosts the Mind The Game podcast alongside James – who has yet to commit to the final year of his Lakers contract in 2024-2025.
On Tuesday, a report stated that the Lakers were “focusing on JJ Redick as the favorite to be the franchise’s next head coach,” according to The Athletic’s. Shams Charania.
However, UConn’s back-to-back National Championship-winning coach Dan Hurley apparently became the new favorite for the position overnight.
Although James has yet to speak publicly about the news, which was reported by ESPN Adrian Wojnarowskia tweet from the NBA legend the day before Game 1 of their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets about Hurley can speak for itself.
“He’s so good!!!” he tweeted in response — somewhat ironically — to an interview Hurley did with Redick on his The Old Man And The Three podcast following UConn’s latest NCAA title win.
“Together with your team. Super creative with your O! I loved it.”
Hilariously, one of the comments on James’ tweet read: “Dan Hurley to Lakers confirmed after Hamm was fired following Nuggets loss.”
Although the Lakers were not defeated, they ended up losing 4-1 to Denver, shortening the playoff run and ending Ham’s time at the helm.
Fast forward to June 6, and news of Hurley’s negotiations with Lakers brass spread quickly on social media.
Among the numerous responses to the news on social media was one from a certain Magic Johnson.
“I heard the great news that Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and GM/VP of basketball operations Rob Pelinka have spoken with back-to-back NCAA champion and current UConn coach Dan Hurley about becoming the next coach from the Lakers!” the Hall of Fame tweeted.
“I’m so excited and thrilled!
“This would be a game changer for the Lakers organization, LeBron, AD, the rest of the Laker players, Laker Nation and the NBA!
“Coach Hurley can coach a lot haha.”
The son of legendary high school coach Bob, Hurley later played college basketball at Seton Hall before following in his father’s footsteps.
After stints at St. Benedict and Wagner Preparatory School, Hurley led Rhode Island for six years, taking them to March Madness twice before moving on to the Huskies in 2018.
Over the past four years, Hurley has led UConn to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments, winning in 2023 and 2024.
Overall, Hurley went 292-163 as a college coach.
He has also had four players called up since taking over at UConn: James Bouknight, Tyrese Martin, Andre Jackson Jr. and Jordan Hawkins.
That will likely increase in this year’s Draft, with Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer expected to be selected on July 26th.
If Hurley takes on the difficult task of leading the Lakers next season, it remains unclear whether or not he will work with James.
The 39-year-old, 20-time All-Star, has a $51 million player option for the 2024-2025 season, which he can exercise any time until June 29.
However, it appears that James has no plans to retire just yet, with his agent Rich Paul recently hinting at his client’s intention to continue his quest for a fifth championship.
“LeBron is a free agent,” Paul told TNT.
“I have to focus on his business and let the Lakers sign whoever they want.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
