{"id":170843,"date":"2026-03-30T07:24:46","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T07:24:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=170843"},"modified":"2026-03-30T07:33:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T07:33:58","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8near-miss-the-los-angeles-lakers-were-ready-to-drop-70-million-to-pull-dan-hurley-away-from-uconn-huskies-mens-basketball-and-it-almost-happened-one-decision-changed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=170843","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8NEAR MISS \u2014 The Los Angeles Lakers were ready to drop $70 MILLION to pull Dan Hurley away from UConn Huskies men’s basketball\u2026 and it almost happened. One decision changed everything \u2014 and now fans are left wondering how different this team would look today. Did the Lakers dodge a massive risk\u2026 or miss out on their next dynasty architect?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Lakers<\/p>\n

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The Los Angeles Lakers<\/span><\/span> have experienced constant change on the sidelines since LeBron James<\/span><\/span> arrived in 2018, cycling through multiple head coaches in search of long-term stability.<\/p>\n

Following the dismissal of Darvin Ham<\/span><\/span> in 2024, the franchise set its sights on one of the most accomplished names in college basketball: Dan Hurley<\/span><\/span> of UConn Huskies<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Hurley, fresh off back-to-back national championships, quickly became the Lakers\u2019 top target.<\/p>\n

The organization reportedly offered him a massive six-year, $70 million contract to take over a roster led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis<\/span><\/span>. At the time, it seemed like a potential blockbuster move that could reshape the franchise\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

Why Dan Hurley Turned Down the Lakers<\/h3>\n

\"Dan<\/p>\n

Despite the financial incentive and the opportunity to coach one of the NBA\u2019s most iconic teams, Hurley ultimately declined the offer. Instead, he chose to remain at UConn \u2014 a decision that, as he later revealed, was heavily influenced by advice from legendary Tom Izzo<\/span><\/span> of Michigan State Spartans<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Speaking on The Dan Patrick Show<\/em>, Hurley explained that Izzo played a key role in helping him evaluate the pros and cons of leaving college basketball for the NBA. Izzo, who has himself received NBA interest from teams like the Atlanta Hawks<\/span><\/span> and Cleveland Cavaliers<\/span><\/span> in the past, offered a perspective shaped by decades of experience.<\/p>\n

Hurley shared that Izzo encouraged him to seriously consider the move but also reminded him of the unique position he held within college basketball. At a time when the NCAA landscape is rapidly evolving \u2014 with NIL deals, transfer portal activity, and shifting regulations \u2014 Hurley\u2019s presence as a passionate, program-building coach carries significant value.<\/p>\n

Izzo echoed that sentiment publicly, noting that while the NBA opportunity was appealing, losing Hurley would be a blow to the college game. He emphasized Hurley\u2019s commitment to player development and the integrity of the sport \u2014 qualities that are increasingly rare in a changing environment.<\/p>\n

Choosing Legacy Over the NBA<\/h3>\n

In the end, Hurley opted for continuity over uncertainty. Rather than making the leap to the NBA, he signed a six-year, $50 million extension to remain with UConn. While the Lakers\u2019 offer was financially larger, Hurley prioritized legacy, control, and the opportunity to continue building a dominant college program.<\/p>\n

That decision has continued to define his coaching trajectory. Although UConn experienced a slight dip during the 2024\u201325 season, the program quickly rebounded. The Huskies returned to elite form, finishing the regular season with an impressive 32\u20135 record and earning a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.<\/p>\n

Their deep postseason run \u2014 including a high-profile matchup against the Duke Blue Devils<\/span><\/span> in the Elite Eight \u2014 further reinforced Hurley\u2019s status as one of the premier coaches in the sport. A third national championship in four years would cement his run as one of the most dominant stretches in modern college basketball history.<\/p>\n

Lakers Pivot to JJ Redick<\/h3>\n

After Hurley declined the offer, the Lakers quickly shifted direction, hiring former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick<\/span><\/span> as head coach. The move was initially met with skepticism, as Redick had no prior head coaching experience at any level.<\/p>\n

However, the early results have been encouraging. In his first season, Redick guided the Lakers to a 50\u201332 record, though their playoff run ended in the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/span><\/span>. While the exit raised questions, it also provided a foundation for growth.<\/p>\n

The following season brought even more intrigue. In a stunning blockbuster move, the Lakers traded Anthony Davis for Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/span><\/span> \u2014 a deal widely considered one of the most shocking in recent NBA history. The acquisition of Don\u010di\u0107 dramatically reshaped the team\u2019s identity and long-term outlook.<\/p>\n

A New-Look Lakers Contender<\/h3>\n

\"UConn,<\/p>\n

With Don\u010di\u0107 now leading the charge alongside LeBron James and emerging guard Austin Reaves<\/span><\/span>, the Lakers have found new momentum. After a slow start to the 2025\u201326 season, the team caught fire in March, climbing to a 48\u201326 record and securing the third seed in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n

Redick, now more comfortable in his role, has drawn praise for his offensive schemes and ability to maximize his roster\u2019s strengths. Don\u010di\u0107\u2019s MVP-caliber performances have been the driving force, but the team\u2019s overall cohesion has noticeably improved.<\/p>\n

While several teams still enter the playoffs with better championship odds, the Lakers have firmly positioned themselves as legitimate contenders. Their blend of superstar talent and improved coaching stability gives them a realistic shot at a deep postseason run.<\/p>\n

What If Hurley Had Said Yes?<\/h3>\n

The question still lingers: what would the Lakers look like today if Hurley had accepted the job?<\/p>\n

His intense coaching style, proven track record, and ability to develop talent might have brought a different identity to Los Angeles. At the same time, the transition from college to the NBA is never guaranteed, and success at one level does not always translate to another.<\/p>\n

In hindsight, both sides may have landed in the right place. Hurley continues to build a powerhouse at UConn, while the Lakers appear to have found a promising leader in Redick.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n

Dan Hurley\u2019s decision to turn down the Lakers\u2019 $70 million offer highlights the complexity of modern coaching choices. It wasn\u2019t simply about money or prestige \u2014 it was about fit, timing, and long-term vision.<\/p>\n

Guided in part by Tom Izzo\u2019s advice, Hurley chose to stay where he could maintain control and continue shaping a legacy. Meanwhile, the Lakers adapted, took a risk on JJ Redick, and may have found the stability they\u2019ve been searching for since LeBron James first arrived.<\/p>\n

As both paths continue to unfold, this decision stands as one of the most fascinating \u201cwhat-if\u201d moments in recent basketball history \u2014 one that could have changed the direction of two major programs in very different ways.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Lakers have experienced constant change on the sidelines since LeBron James arrived in 2018, cycling through multiple head coaches in search of long-term stability…. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":170847,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-170843","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8NEAR MISS \u2014 The Los Angeles Lakers were ready to drop $70 MILLION to pull Dan Hurley away from UConn Huskies men's basketball\u2026 and it almost happened. One decision changed everything \u2014 and now fans are left wondering how different this team would look today. 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