Dan Hurley Reflects on Turning Down Lakers Job Opportunity

The opportunity to coach the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most prestigious franchises in professional basketball, slipped through Dan Hurley’s fingers when he declined the offer. In a recent appearance on Zach Lowe’s podcast, Hurley discussed his decision, expressing contemplation about what could have been, especially in light of the Lakers’ recent acquisition of star player Luka Doncic.

After parting ways with former head coach Darvin Ham, the Lakers sought a replacement who could bring an offensive strategy and strong leadership. Hurley, who led the University of Connecticut (UConn) to a championship victory, quickly emerged as a frontrunner for the role. Despite the allure of coaching high-profile players such as LeBron James and Doncic, Hurley ultimately chose to remain at UConn, where he secured a lucrative contract worth $50 million over six years.

In hindsight, Hurley acknowledges the intriguing possibilities of coaching two of basketball’s biggest talents. “Your mind also, probably, goes there a little bit like, ‘Man, you could’ve coached LeBron and Luka on the same team,’” he remarked during the podcast. This reflection comes as the NBA landscape evolves with significant player trades and shifting team dynamics.

Speculation surrounded Hurley’s negotiations with the Lakers, with some suggesting that he may not have had genuine intentions to accept the position. It has been posited that his public discussions were a tactic to leverage UConn for a more favorable contract. However, Hurley has clarified that his decision was deeply rooted in his commitment to his college players.

“I love being a part of this transformation for the last point in a young man’s life where you can really have a big impact on how their life is going to play out,” Hurley explained. This level of influence is often absent in the NBA, where teams typically consist of more established players.

The rejection did not come without its challenges. Lakers fans expressed their displeasure, with Hurley revealing that he received negative messages from supporters. “It’s Lakers fans direct messaging you that ‘You’re the biggest – you know, look how stupid you are,’” he stated. Such reactions are particularly difficult to navigate, especially following a disappointing season for his current team, which was eliminated in the second round of the 2025 NCAA tournament by the Florida Gators.

As Hurley continues to build his legacy at UConn, the decision to decline the Lakers position remains a topic of interest. While he may ponder the alternate paths his career could have taken, he remains focused on his current role, shaping the lives of young athletes and fostering their growth both on and off the court.