The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to offer a huge contract to UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley in a bid to get him to coach the NBA team, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday.

Hurley has led UConn to the past two NCAA titles, making the Huskies the first squad to repeat in 17 years. His team has a record 12 consecutive double-digit wins in March Madness.

The Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham after the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. Ham coached the LeBron James-led Lakers for two seasons.

Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers have had preliminary discussions with Hurley with talks expected to intensify in the coming days.

Wojnarowski added James has been impressed by Hurley’s work at UConn.

The ESPN story also says the Lakers have interviewed several candidates, including podcaster JJ Redick, Charlotte Hornets assistant James Borrego, Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell and Nuggets assistant David Adelman.

Hurley, previously the coach of Wagner and Rhode Island, is the son of Naismith Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley Sr.; Dan’s older brother, Bobby, is the head coach at Arizona State.

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly making efforts to hire UConn coach Dan Hurley as their new head coach. Hurley, who has been with the Huskies since 2018, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top coaches in college basketball.

Hurley has a proven track record of success, leading UConn to a 45-26 record over the past two seasons. He has also helped develop several NBA prospects, including James Bouknight and Jalen Adams.

The Lakers are in need of a new head coach after parting ways with Frank Vogel following a disappointing season. Hiring Hurley would bring a fresh perspective and new energy to the team, as well as a strong focus on player development.

While nothing has been confirmed yet, reports suggest that the Lakers are actively pursuing Hurley and are hopeful that he will accept the job. If he does, it could be a game-changer for the Lakers and their quest to return to championship contention.

Hurley’s coaching style is known for its intensity and attention to detail, qualities that could benefit a Lakers team that struggled defensively last season. His ability to connect with players and get the best out of them could also help unlock the potential of stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Overall, hiring Dan Hurley would be a bold move for the Lakers, but one that could pay off in a big way. Keep an eye on this developing story as the Lakers continue their search for their next head coach.