The Lakers head coaching search is reportedly taking an unexpected turn.
After weeks of rumors that former NBA player JJ Redick was the surefire frontrunner to fill Los Angeles' vacancy, a new name bubbled up in the newswire Thursday.
The Lakers are said to be in a "relentless" pursuit of UConn head coach Dan Hurley, preparing a "massive, long-term offer" for his services, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Hurley has become one of the most respected coaches in all of basketball after leading the Huskies to back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024. He is well-known for his mastery of X's and O's and fiery competitive attitude, both of which caught Lakers superstar LeBron James' attention after UConn's title run.
Ironically enough, James made his lone public comment praising Hurley in a response to the championship coach's appearance on ... Redick's "Old Man and the Three" podcast.
Here's what LeBron had to say.
MORE: Why the Lakers are targeting Dan Hurley over JJ Redick
LeBron James-Dan Hurley relationship, explained
James and Hurley don't have a documented relationship but the Lakers star did give his stamp of approval on the UConn head coach back in April.
Two weeks after the Huskies won the 2024 national championship, Hurley appeared on Redick's "Old Man and the Three" podcast. The head coach did an in-depth breakdown of UConn's famously complex offensive schemes, crediting San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan for his inspiration.
Redick quoted a viral snippet of his discussion with Hurley, writing, "Loved this part of our convo with Dan Hurley."
James replied to Redick, complimenting Hurley's creativity with his offensive sets.
He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O! Love it
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 19, 2024
James' comment was originally passed over but it has, of course, resurfaced with the latest news that Hurley could potentially be his next head coach. The tweet now has over one million views.
Dan Hurley UConn record
Hurley has been an NCAA Division-I head coach for 14 years. His career started at Wagner in 2010, then he spent six seasons at the University of Rhode Island from 2012-2017.
After turning URI into an NCAA Tournament team in consecutive seasons in 2017 and 2018, Hurley was hired to bring UConn back to national championship contention.
Six years later, Hurley led the Huskies to back-to-back national championships — the first program to do so since Florida in 2006 and 2007.
Take a look at Hurley's success at UConn over the last six seasons.
| Year | Conference | Record | Result |
| 2018-19 | AAC | 16-17 | Missed NCAA Tournament |
| 2019-20 | AAC | 19-12 | COVID cancelled NCAA Tournament |
| 2020-21 | Big East | 15-8 | Lost first round of NCAA Tournament |
| 2021-22 | Big East | 23-10 | Lost first round of NCAA Tournament |
| 2022-23 | Big East | 31-8 | National Champions |
| 2023-24 | Big East | 37-3 | National Champions, Big East Tournament Champions |
MORE: How Dan Hurley's potential Lakers deal compares to 2024 UConn salary
LeBron James head coach history
Regardless of who the Lakers hire, James is set to play for his 10th head coach in the NBA.
You can find all nine of his previous head coaches below, and read more about each of their tenures here.
| Coach | Team | Years |
| Paul Silas | Cavaliers | 2003-05 |
| Brendan Malone* | Cavaliers | 2005 |
| Mike Brown | Cavaliers | 2005-10 |
| Erik Spoelstra | Heat | 2010-14 |
| David Blatt | Cavaliers | 2014-16 |
| Tyronn Lue | Cavaliers | 2016-18 |
| Luke Walton | Lakers | 2018-19 |
| Frank Vogel | Lakers | 2019-22 |
| Darvin Ham | Lakers | 2022-24 |
*Malone was hired on an interim basis
