Statements
LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers lost Dan Hurley on Monday, marking a significant blow for the franchise that has been desperately seeking direction. The Lakers, who have seemed to lose the thread in recent years, offered Hurley a lucrative six-year, $70 million contract, which he ultimately turned down. This decision, while disappointing for the Lakers, is not entirely shocking as Hurley has a compelling opportunity to pursue a third consecutive NCAA championship.
Uncertain Fit with LeBron
The prospect of Hurley joining the Lakers was always fraught with uncertainty. While Hurley is a proven winner with a tactical acumen admired by scouts and front-office personnel alike, transitioning from college basketball to the NBA is no small feat. For a hard-charging hire like Hurley, who lacks NBA experience, fitting well with a superstar like LeBron James would have been another challenge. LeBron, known for his exacting standards and particular view of team operations, prefers to be a partner with the head coach rather than a subordinate.
Given these dynamics, the Lakers' job might have been a poisoned chalice for Hurley, a gamble that could have failed to pay off.
A Misguided Gamble
The Lakers do not seem to know what they're doing or who they want to become. Chasing Hurley, a college coach who didn’t want the job, makes the organization look small and amateurish. The public, slow-moving rejection adds a layer of embarrassment to an already uncertain situation.
Hurley could have been a major success in Los Angeles. His impressive track record with UConn has made many believe in his abilities. Coaches like Brad Stevens and Billy Donovan have successfully made the leap from college basketball to the NBA. However, past success does not always guarantee future results, and skepticism remains about college coaches succeeding at the NBA level.
The Fallout
The Lakers' rejection by Hurley doesn’t just impact the team’s reputation; it also affects other potential candidates. JJ Redick, who appeared to be on the cusp of confirming his new head coaching gig, must now deal with the public fallout. Redick had given off strong "I’ll-confirm-my-new-head-coaching-gig" vibes on his podcast, only to be sidelined for someone who ultimately didn’t want the job.
James Borrego also found himself in a strange limbo-meets-rejection over the past few days. Candidates with NBA experience have watched the Lakers' failed attempt to secure Hurley and are likely re-evaluating their interest in the job. The team's two top candidates couldn't have been more different. Hurley represented a long-term investment, one that looked beyond LeBron's tenure. In contrast, Redick would have focused on making the most of LeBron's remaining years, potentially trading draft picks for a star player in a win-now approach.
The Broader Implications
The Lakers seem to be operating as if hiring an NBA head coach is akin to scrolling through Netflix, a method that is neither sound nor sustainable for running a reputable organization. There are real consequences to a slipshod approach. Hurley's decision to turn down the Lakers complicates their search for a winning candidate, and the team cannot afford to lose LeBron’s confidence and risk him leaving.
LeBron James holds significant leverage within the organization and might now have a stronger say in who gets the head coaching position. LeBron and the new coach might also push to trade for another star player. While this might be a fine plan if properly thought out, it's problematic as an unintended consequence of being embarrassed by Hurley's rejection.
The Lakers chased a shocker by pursuing Hurley, but the biggest surprise remains that they did so without a clear plan for the future. The franchise seems adrift, lacking a coherent vision for how to win going forward.
Quotes
"I can do better." This statement, presumably from Hurley or an anonymous source within the Lakers organization, encapsulates the current sentiment surrounding the team's front-office decisions. The Lakers must now regroup and find a candidate who can align with their goals and seamlessly integrate into an already complex team dynamic.