Hurley will decide Monday

Hurley has told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Lakers “made a compelling case” for leaving a UConn program that he has built into a two-time defending NCAA champion. Hurley told ESPN that he spent Sunday mulling over what has been reported as a “massive, long-term offer” and will decide whether to accept the gig on Monday.

UConn coach Dan Hurley plans to make a decision on his future Monday, he tells ESPN. Lakers made a “compelling case” to him in LA but he loves what he’s built with the two-time defending national champions and is weighing it all now. Full story: https://t.co/dlTX9SkdHG

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 9, 2024

Hurley has become the most sought-after coach in college basketball after leading UConn to back-to-back national titles. He has a 141-58 record as the Huskies’ coach, and his contract at the school — which pays him more than $5 million annually — runs until 2029.

BetOnline just released Lakers head coaching odds and give the Lakers an 80% chance of hiring Dan Hurley.

Where will Dan Hurley coach basketball in 2024-25:
Los Angeles Lakers: -400 (1/4)
UConn Huskies: +300 (3/1)

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) June 9, 2024

Hurley has long wanted to coach in the NBA, and the chance to work with LeBron James — who is expected to opt out of his contract but return under amended terms — could prove too good to pass up.

Many of Hurley’s responsibilities would center on player development, which will become especially important if Los Angeles uses one of its two draft picks on LeBron’s son, Bronny — regarded as a talented but raw prospect. LeBron has insisted that his final remaining career goal is to play with Bronny, a dream that could become reality this summer.