In one of the most shocking coaching search developments in recent memory, a widely reported heavy favorite has been usurped. Despite the surplus of reports that the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to hire JJ Redick, it turns out that Dan Hurley has been the true lead candidate all along.
While some are jumping to the conclusion that LeBron James could oppose the Lakers hiring someone other than his Mind The Game co-host, there's evidence to suggest otherwise.
Hurley is one of the most successful coaches who has yet to enter the ranks of the NBA. Most notably, he helped turn St. Benedict's Prep into an absolute powerhouse at the high school level and has led the Connecticut Huskies to back-to-back National Championship seasons.
In a post that James made on X in April, the four-time NBA MVP offered high praise for Hurley and the tactics that enabled him to build one of the best offenses in college basketball.
He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O! Love it
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 19, 2024
This may not necessarily mean that James wants to play for Hurley, but it's direct praise for one of the brightest minds in the sport today.
Hurley led UConn to its current string of dominance by thriving in three key areas: Offensive play calling, defensive discipline, and player development. In 2023-24, the Huskies ranked No. 9 in the country in points allowed per game and No. 1 in the Big East in both scoring offense and assists.
Hurley has also helped a number of his players become NBA-caliber prospects, including 2023 lottery pick Jordan Hawkins and potential 2024 top-10 selections Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan.
For the Lakers, landing a head coach who can legitimize the team's efforts on both ends of the floor would be a dream. Add the fact that Hurley can help develop the younger players on the roster and, at least on paper, he's the perfect candidate.
In terms of how his coaching style could help James, one would think that the four-time Finals MVP would be open to joining forces with a fellow champion whose praises he's already sung.
Hurley would likely introduce a motion offense in Los Angeles that would emphasize creating easier scoring opportunities for the 39-year-old James. Defensively, he would create a system of accountability while giving role players enough offensive responsibility to reward their consistent efforts.
Nothing is set in stone quite yet, but if James' public praise of Hurley is proof of anything, it's that one of the greatest minds in basketball history sees similar expertise in the possible next Lakers head coach.