The Los Angeles Lakers have officially entered a new chapter with the hiring of former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick as their head coach after an intense pursuit of UConn’s Dan Hurley, who recently led the Huskies to back-to-back national titles. The Lakers’ interest in Hurley was serious, offering him a lucrative contract and flying him and his wife, Andrea, to Los Angeles as part of their courtship. Despite the attractive proposition, Hurley decided to remain at the college level, leaving the Lakers to turn to Redick as their next option.
Lakers’ Pursuit of Hurley
On June 10, 2024, the Lakers made an aggressive move by offering Hurley a six-year, $70 million contract to lead the storied franchise. Hurley had garnered significant attention due to his success with UConn, where he led the team to consecutive national championships. The Lakers, looking for a fresh voice to lead their roster, believed Hurley’s leadership skills and proven ability to develop players would translate well to the NBA.
Hurley, however, weighed his options carefully. He had built a thriving program at UConn and expressed a deep sense of fulfillment in helping young men grow both on and off the court. Ultimately, he declined the Lakers’ offer, citing his passion for making a significant impact on his players’ lives—something he felt was unique to college coaching.
In an interview with Graham Bensinger on In Depth, Hurley reflected on his decision: “I don’t know. If you’re not going to take the Lakers job, then what job are you going to take?” Hurley hinted at the possibility that his NBA future may be uncertain, but reiterated his love for the college game: “I love being part of this transformation at a critical point in a young man’s life, where you can make a big impact on their future. That’s something I realized I love about being a college coach, which you don’t experience as an NBA coach.”
This sentiment, combined with the control he has over UConn’s program, led Hurley to turn down the chance to coach in the NBA. His heart was set on the Huskies, and his decision left the Lakers searching for an alternative.
Turning to JJ Redick
With Hurley off the table, the Lakers shifted their focus to a familiar face in NBA circles: JJ Redick. Although Redick had no prior coaching experience, his basketball IQ, successful playing career, and recent work as an NBA analyst made him an intriguing candidate. Redick had been vocal about his admiration for Hurley, but he wasn’t bothered by the Lakers initially pursuing the UConn coach before offering him the job.
During his introductory press conference, Redick mentioned that the Lakers’ interest in Hurley wasn’t a point of contention: “I want to follow up on what Rob [Pelinka, Lakers GM] mentioned. When we first met in Chicago and the process began, I was getting ready to call Game 1 of the NBA Finals when the news about Dan Hurley broke.”
After Hurley’s decision, the Lakers acted swiftly and offered Redick a four-year contract worth $32 million, or approximately $8 million per season. While his hiring represents a significant transition for the franchise, Redick’s basketball mind and knowledge of the game give the Lakers hope for a successful future.
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