How hiring UConn's Dan Hurley could impact the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James and Bronny - ESPN

One month after firing Darvin Ham, the Lakers are zeroing in on their next head coach. Sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that Los Angeles is preparing a massive, long-term contract offer to pry two-time NCAA champion Dan Hurley away from the University of Connecticut. What would such a monumental hire mean for the Lakers — and the future of superstar LeBron James, who can become a free agent this summer? Our NBA and college basketball experts break down what we know and what could happen in the coming days and weeks.

It's an audacious and creative option that reflects where college basketball is in the NIL era, where the NBA is with its new collective bargaining agreement and where the Lakers are after churning through coaches over the past decade. (They haven't had a coach last more than three seasons since Phil Jackson.) There isn't a perfect choice, but this one would represent a high-risk/high-reward option with a coach with unquestioned talent.

The other candidates, one of whom might still get the job, as Hurley is not a done deal, represent some of these qualities. JJ Redick has shown great innovation and depth in X's and O's and has credibility with players. James Borrego has the most experience and has proved to be effective at this level. Sam Cassell is beloved as an assistant, has bonded with stars, and has a championship résumé. Hurley's profile is different, but his star has never been higher.

— Brian Windhorst

Over the past few years, Hurley has established himself as one of the elite player-development coaches and tactical minds in college basketball. After his first national championship with UConn, he had two players selected in the 2023 NBA draft — including lottery pick Jordan Hawkins, who saw