Lakers Targeting UConn's Dan Hurley as Next Coach, per Report

Andy Nesbitt | Jun 6, 2024

Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley shouts during the Men's NCAA national championship game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on April 8, 2024. / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY

The Los Angeles Lakers' search for their next coach has taken a dramatic turn as they are now targeting UConn's Dan Hurley, according to a report by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Wojnarowski shook up the basketball world early Thursday morning with his report that the Lakers are looking to give Hurley a massive longterm deal and that talks are going to heat up over the next few days.

Hurley has led UConn to back-to-back NCAA titles over the past two years.

Wojnarowski broke the news in a series of tweets:

ESPN Sources: The Lakers have had preliminary contact with Hurley and sides are planning to escalate discussions in coming days. Hurley’s been at the forefront of the Lakers’ search from the beginning of the process, even while the organization has done its due diligence…

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 6, 2024

Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss are eager to formally discuss their vision with Hurley of marrying his dominant program --- built upon both his tactical acumen and elite player development -- to the storied Lakers’ brand, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 6, 2024

"The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing a massive long term offer for Connecticut Lakers coach, Dan Hurley...

The sides have preliminary contact, I'm told and those conversations are expected to escalate in the coming days."

Adrian Wojnarowski with a wojbomb. pic.twitter.com/Sx5T77e49y

— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 6, 2024

We'll have more updates as they come.