LeBron James has reportedly endorsed the Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of Dan Hurley as their next head coach, adding an unexpected twist to the team’s ongoing search.
The Lakers’ quest for a new head coach has been a rollercoaster, with various candidates emerging and fading from the spotlight. The latest name to gain traction is Dan Hurley from UConn, a surprising development that surfaced Thursday morning.
New details have begun to emerge about the decision-making process behind the Lakers’ coaching search. Previously, rumors suggested that LeBron James had a strong preference for JJ Redick, his former Duke rival, due to their established rapport. It seemed likely that Redick would be the frontrunner given his relationship with the 39-year-old superstar.
However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports a different story. LeBron James, it appears, advised the Lakers management to consider a long-term strategy that extends beyond his tenure with the team.
“From what I understand, what LeBron said to them was, ‘You have to hire somebody who is for beyond just me. I might be here for another year. I might be here for two years. You’ve got to make a decision that’s built around Anthony Davis. That’s built around what the Lakers need for the next decade, not just what I need.”
This perspective from James aligns with the Lakers’ broader interests. Even if LeBron stays with the Lakers for a couple more seasons, his time is limited. In contrast, Anthony Davis, at 31, is expected to remain a cornerstone of the team for several more years.
If Davis has reservations about Redick, opting for Dan Hurley, considered one of the top college coaches, seems a prudent choice. LeBron’s input appears to have given the Lakers the confidence to pursue Hurley without hesitation. Without James’ approval, the management might have leaned towards Redick to avoid taking a significant risk.
By supporting Hurley’s candidacy, James demonstrates a commitment to the Lakers’ long-term success, emphasizing a strategy that looks beyond his own career and focuses on building a sustainable future around Anthony Davis.
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