Dan Hurley Reflects on Turning Down Lakers Coaching Opportunity

Coaching the Los Angeles Lakers is a prestigious role in professional basketball, but it also brings intense scrutiny. Dan Hurley, who recently declined an opportunity to lead the Lakers, reflected on his decision during a podcast appearance, considering the implications of missing out on coaching stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Following the departure of Darvin Ham, the Lakers were looking for a new coach, and Hurley’s name quickly emerged as a leading candidate. His impressive track record at UConn, where he secured a championship, positioned him as a logical choice for the franchise known for its historical success. Despite the allure of coaching in Los Angeles, Hurley ultimately chose to remain at UConn, allowing JJ Redick to take the position on June 24, 2024.

During an episode of the Zach Lowe podcast, Hurley discussed the Lakers negotiations and acknowledged that he sometimes thinks about what could have been. “Your mind also, probably, goes there a little bit like, ‘Man, you could’ve coached LeBron and Luka on the same team,’” he stated, reflecting on the potential of coaching two of the best players in the league.

Speculation surrounded his decision, with some suggesting that Hurley leveraged the Lakers’ interest to negotiate a more lucrative contract with UConn. Ultimately, he secured a deal worth $50 million over six years, a significant figure that underscored his value in collegiate basketball.

Hurley’s commitment to his college players played a crucial role in his decision to stay. He expressed a deep appreciation for the relationships he builds with students during their formative years. “I love being a part of this transformation for the last point in a young man’s life,” he said. This aspect of coaching, he noted, is something that NBA coaches typically do not experience unless they are working with a very young team, which the Lakers do not currently have.

Despite his decision, Hurley faced backlash from Lakers fans who were disappointed by his choice. He admitted to receiving negative messages, with some fans expressing their frustration directly. “It’s Lakers fans direct messaging you that ‘You’re the biggest – you know, look how stupid you are,'” he recounted, reflecting on the challenges of public scrutiny.

Adding to the complexity of his current situation, Hurley’s UConn team faced an early exit from the 2025 NCAA Tournament, eliminated in the second round by the Florida Gators. This outcome may have intensified the scrutiny he faces, particularly in light of the opportunities he declined.

As Hurley navigates his coaching career, the decision to turn down the Lakers’ job remains a significant moment in his professional journey. While he does not express overt regret, the prospect of coaching some of the game’s greats continues to linger in his mind, leaving fans and analysts alike to ponder the ramifications of this pivotal choice.