SUMMARY
- Dan Hurley was the LA Lakers' best candidate so far.
- The Lakers need to acquire a head coach rather than focusing on who to select in the upcoming NBA draft.
The LA Lakers don’t seem to be making any progress with regard to hiring their next head coach. For an organization as legendary as them, it’s quite embarrassing that they’ve changed seven head coaches in just over a decade. Some also believe that Darvin Ham should have had a little more time to find a rhythm with the Lakers, especially after leading them to the Western Conference Finals in his first season.
The Lakers were willing to pay Dan Hurley MORE THAN DOUBLE his current salary. He still said no 💀 pic.twitter.com/46mTp1IcIN
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) June 11, 2024
Recently, Dan Hurley became a candidate to occupy the vacant head coach’s job with the Lakers. Hurley has been with UConn since 2018 and he recently won back-to-back titles with the Huskies as well. Unfortunately, Hurley declined the Lakers’ $70 million six-year deal to settle for the $32 million extension that he signed with UConn in 2023. LA desperately needed Hurley to accept their offer for one big reason.
Dan Hurley was their best candidate so far
It is as simple as this, Dan Hurley was their best candidate so far. Amongst all the candidates that have emerged, Hurley had the most experience having won two national championships recently, including two Division I Regional Championship appearances, an A-10 Tournament Championship, and a Big-East Tournament Championship. The 51-year-old 2024 Naismith Coach of the Year has been the most successful basketball coach over the last few years.
A statement from UConn Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dan Hurley: pic.twitter.com/16e77ykbVp
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) June 10, 2024
Hurley would’ve certainly been a strong coach like the Boston Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla or even what Mike Budenholzer was to the Milwaukee Bucks a couple of years ago. Sadly, the Lakers are back to square one trying to figure out if JJ Redick, James Borrego, or Sam Cassell are even worth the money. Redick has only ever coached in the AAU, while Borrego and Cassell haven’t necessarily been great head coaches, but have a decent amount of potential.
The Lakers’ biggest problem isn’t who they’re about the draft
Amidst it all, the Lakers also evidently need changes to be made in their roster. There were a few players that barely contributed in times they were required or in aspects that they were expected to dominate in. However, making those changes wouldn’t matter if they did not have a coach to set the record straight.
After a dogged pursuit of Hurley over past weeks, Lakers will regroup and resume bringing in candidates for interviews with hope of hiring a coach by Draft, sources said. James Borrego is expected to remain part of group and Lakers could do their first formal interview with JJ…
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2024
So, focusing on drafting Bronny James or possibly acquiring Zach Edey as the 17th overall isn’t their biggest issue. Both players will have a positive impact on the roster, especially in their depth lineups. Besides the existing candidates, the market is quite small. Hopefully if the Detroit Pistons part ways with Monty Williams, the Lakers could immediately swoop in a deal and acquire him.