NBA Rumors: Lakers' $100 Million deal set to boost stakes for Dan Hurley
The LA Lakers look ready to offer a deal to sign University of Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley as their new head coach. According to NBA insider, Anthony Irwin, the organization is preparing to offer Hurley an eight-year, $100 million contract to take the head coaching position.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported last night ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks that Hurley would meet up with the organization. Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss, the organization's owner, met with the two-time NCAA champion on Friday to talk about the potential hiring.
Nothing has been confirmed by both parties regarding the rumors. But Hurley is now the favorite to take over the position that was left vacant by Darvin Ham. Ham was let go of the team after two seasons. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in back-to-back seasons.
Initially, it was JJ Redick who was the top candidate to be the team's head coach. The organization was into the idea of having the former NBA player be their new coach. However, they fixated their eyes on Hurley earlier this week.
Hiring Hurley will make him the 27th head coach for the franchise since they joined the NBA.
Also read: Would $60 million be enough for Lakers to land Dan Hurley as he runs out $32.1 million deal? Exploring scenarios
Rick Fox is a fan of the idea of Dan Hurley coaching the Lakers
Finding a new head coach is never easy for any team. But for the Lakers, who are eyeing to compete for a title, it's even more difficult. The hiring process has been taxing as the organization is careful to hire a coach who could help them contend for championships.
Redick was considered by the team earlier and many liked the idea of having him lead the team. However, not everyone was on board. Rick Fox, who won three titles with the California-based team, didn't like the idea. He questioned the franchise's direction in potentially hiring the former LA Clippers starting shooting guard.
"To all the backseat NBA GMS - How many of you would hire a former player or coach who has never won “on any level” and expect them to lead your team to a championship?" Fox posted.
Surprisingly, after Woj reported that the team was eyeing to hire Dan Hurley, he showed his support and gave his approval of where the direction was going.
Given that Hurley has won college titles and Redick hasn't coached on a professional or college level, Fox had concerns. He expressed how it could be difficult for the Lakers to compete for titles with an inexperienced coach.
Also read: Insider believes Lakers job will attract Dan Hurley's 'big ego and personality' away from UConn