Statements
LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers faced yet another setback on Monday as they lost out on the opportunity to hire Dan Hurley.
The Lakers appear to have lost their way. Hurley turned down their six-year, $70 million offer, which, while not entirely surprising, still stings. Hurley has the chance to chase a third consecutive NCAA championship, a feat that surely weighs more heavily on his mind than the uncertainties of the Lakers' current state.
A Poisoned Chalice
The Lakers' head coaching position may be viewed as a poisoned chalice, especially considering the challenge a no-NBA-experience hire like Hurley would have faced in fitting in with LeBron James. LeBron, known for his exacting standards and particular view of team operations, prefers a partnership with the head coach rather than a subordinate relationship. This dynamic would have added another layer of complexity to Hurley's potential success in Los Angeles.
Currently, the Lakers do not seem to have a clear direction or identity. Their pursuit of Hurley, a gamble in itself, resulted in a very public and slow-moving rejection. This ordeal has made the Lakers look small and amateurish, raising questions about their decision-making processes.
A Gamble that Backfired
Hurley, a proven winner who has impressed scouts and front-office personnel with the tactical level of UConn's teams, might have made a successful leap from college basketball to NBA coaching. After all, Brad Stevens and Billy Donovan have successfully transitioned to the NBA. However, past success does not always predict future outcomes, and many remain skeptical of college head coaches at the NBA level.
The manner in which the Lakers were turned down, especially by a college coach, adds another layer of embarrassment. JJ Redick, for instance, must feel stung. Redick projected confidence about confirming a new head coaching gig on his podcast, only to face public rejection. The experience of having to go on national television and pretend he hadn't been dumped for someone else must have been hard.
Similarly, James Borrego found himself in an awkward limbo-meets-rejection scenario over the past few days. The Lakers' top candidates, although strong, were markedly different in their approaches. Hurley represented a long-term investment focusing on a post-LeBron reality, potentially turning three first-round picks into the foundation for a youthful team. In contrast, Redick signaled a commitment to LeBron's remaining years, possibly trading the same picks for a star player to compete in the short term.
A Lack of Direction
These radically different visions suggest confusion within the Lakers' management. They seem to be operating as if hiring an NBA head coach is akin to scrolling through Netflix, an unsustainable approach for a franchise of this caliber. There are consequences for such a slipshod strategy. With Hurley turning them down, finding another top-tier candidate becomes more challenging.
The Lakers cannot afford for LeBron to decide to leave. He wields significant leverage in this situation and could have a firmer say in who gets hired as the next head coach. Together, LeBron and the new coach might push for a trade to bring in another star. While this could be a beneficial, well-thought-out plan, it is not something that should arise from an unintended consequence of being spurned by Hurley.
The Bigger Picture
Chasing a shock by going after Hurley has left the Lakers in a precarious position. The biggest surprise in this saga is the observation that the team Hurley passed on seemingly has no real plan. The Lakers appear to lack a clear vision for future success.
Quotes
"I can do better."