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NBA analyst explains why frontrunner Dan Hurley should command at least $14M-$15M annually from Lakers

The LA Lakers reportedly have Dan Hurley as the leading candidate to replace the dismissed Darvin Ham. Hurley has been in the men’s college basketball limelight after leading UConn to the 2023 and 2024 NCAA championships. The Lakers are likely hoping he can translate that success to the NBA with the 17x champs.

Hurley signed a six-year, $32.1 million contract with the Huskies following his first championship with them. If he takes his talents to Hollywood, the Purple and Gold franchise will reportedly have to pay a $1.88 million buyout.

Chris Broussard, on “First Things First,” had this to say about what Dan Hurley should ask as compensation to coach the LA Lakers:

“Dan Hurley should ask for either $14 or $15 million a year from the Lakers. You are making enough money and enough years where you got security. Now, you can coach the team the way you want to. … He gotta have the security where like, ‘Look, I’m not at LeBron’s [James] whim if he gets tired of me and fires me.’”

Darvin Ham was rumored to have earned between $3-$5 million per year with the Lakers. He was fired with two years left on his deal but will still receive his pay until the contract runs out. If Ham was on the lower spectrum of a coach’s salary, Hurley wouldn’t be in that range.

Perhaps the LA Lakers will not be so quick to fire Dan Hurley if he does not meet expectations due to what might be a lucrative deal. Broussard suggested that a six-year deal for roughly the $14-$15 million range will give LA's potential new coach security.


Dan Hurley will likely be one of the highest-paid coaches if he joins the LA Lakers

Steve Kerr is at the top of the totem pole with $17.5 million per season with the Golden State Warriors. San Antonio Spurs legend Gregg Popovich, Kerr’s former mentor, comes in second with $16 million a year. Completing the top three is longtime Miami Heat play-caller Erik Spoelstra, who gets $15 million per season.

Monty Williams, another Popovich protege, rounds up the top four with $13 million per season. Mike Budenholzer, the Phoenix Suns’ new coach is in the books for $10 million. Only Kerr and “Pop” might have more lucrative contracts if Dan Hurley agrees to join the LA Lakers.

Fox Sports’ John Fanta, on “The Zach Gelb Show” had this to say about rumors of what Lakers GM Rob Pelinka will do to hire Dan Hurley:

“I have it on good authority the Lakers are offering him at least $100 million guaranteed."

After reportedly “zeroing in” on JJ Redick, the LA Lakers might have decided who they will go after. They are flexing their financial muscle to pull away their target from UConn.

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