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LOS ANGELES -- In a turn of events that's left many fans and analysts shaking their heads, the Lakers lost out on Dan Hurley on Monday. This isn't just a matter of losing a potential coach; it reveals deeper issues within the organization.
Hurley Turns Down Lakers
Hurley, known for his success at UConn with back-to-back NCAA championships, turned down a six-year, $70 million offer from the Lakers. For a coach with no NBA experience, this was a significant proposition. Despite the lucrative offer, Hurley chose to stick with his current pursuit of a third consecutive NCAA title. While not entirely shocking, it's a clear indicator of where Hurley’s priorities lie.
For the Lakers, it's a hit to their prestige. The hiring gamble on a college coach with no NBA experience joined the list of risky moves that have occasionally defined the franchise's recent managerial choices. There is no guarantee a hard-charging, no-NBA-experience hire like Hurley would fit seamlessly with a high-caliber player like LeBron James, who has exacting standards and favors a partnership dynamic with his head coach rather than a hierarchical one.
An Organization in Disarray
This move—or rather, non-move—has led many to question the direction in which the Lakers are heading. They appear to be unsure of their identity and future plans. The public and drawn-out chase of Hurley has embarrassed the franchise and made it appear amateurish. Why would the organization put itself out there for a college coach who ultimately didn’t want the job?
It's worth noting that Hurley might have been a successful hire, as he is a proven winner with teams that have impressed scouts and front-office personnel alike. Comparisons have been drawn to Bradley Stevens and Billy Donovan, who successfully transitioned from college to NBA coaching. However, the past does not always predict the future, and many remain skeptical of college coaches jumping to the NBA level.
The Impact on Other Candidates
JJ Redick, another candidate, surely must feel stung. He hinted heavily on his podcast that he was ready to confirm a new coaching gig, only to be overshadowed by the organization’s very public pursuit of Hurley. This has left Redick in an uncomfortable position, having to pretend he hadn't been passed over in real-time.
James Borrego, yet another candidate, found himself in a similar limbo. It's a tough spot for any coach—to see the organization that might hire you seemingly directionless.
Different Visions, Conflicting Interests
The Lakers' two strongest candidates represented very different visions for the franchise. Hurley would have been an investment in the future—a long-term play that might have involved building a youthful team centered around several first-round picks. Redick, on the other hand, would signal a focus on maximizing LeBron’s remaining years in the league, likely trading first-round picks for another star player to compete immediately.
This dichotomy underscores the broader uncertainty within the Lakers' organization. It seems as though they are operating under the mistaken belief that hiring an NBA coach is akin to scrolling through Netflix—a flawed and unsustainable approach. The consequences of this slipshod strategy are only beginning to show.
Leverage and Consequences
Hurley's decision to decline the Lakers' offer complicates the search for a winning candidate. The franchise simply cannot afford to alienate LeBron, who holds considerable leverage. Moving forward, LeBron may have a stronger say in who gets the coaching gig, which might also inform the Lakers’ broader strategy, including potential trades for another star player. This approach could work if it's part of a well-thought-out plan but not as an unintended consequence of their current embarrassment.
The Lakers' pursuit of Hurley was indeed a shocker, but perhaps the biggest surprise is the organization’s apparent lack of a clear, coherent plan for future success. Right now, the Lakers appear to be drifting, uncertain of their identity or their path to becoming a championship team once again.
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