Finally, Dan Hurley responded! The New Jersey native invited the basketball world’s attention after an ESPN reporter revealed the Lakers are targeting him for the head coach position. Even though almost everyone drawn to the rumors responded, there was still a lack of acknowledgment from Hurley’s end. But not anymore as the 51-year-old has put a full stop to the rumors.

He called off his team at UConn this morning and hinted that he would stay at UConn. “He’s been in talks with the Lakers, a source tells Fox Sports. Hurley didn’t want to hide the fact that this is real. The Huskies have a noon practice, and Hurley told his players it’s business as usual for now,” declared John Fanta, a CBB on Fox broadcaster and reporter, on his official X account.

Even though Hurley admitted to all the facts reported by ESPN, he did not clearly state his intentions regarding the Lakers. Notably, Dan Hurley’s bond with UConn traces back to 2018 when the New Jersey native joined the Huskies. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to lead UConn to their two consecutive national championship wins.

Not only this, but it was during his tenure that the team became the first to defend the national title in the last 17 years after the Gators in 2007. As the bond between UConn and Hurley strengthened, it became a major obstacle to making Hurley responsible for the Lakers’ locker room. But the Lakers already had some plans cooking up.

How Lakers’ are planning to hire Dan Hurley?

As per ESPN’s reports, the Lakers were targeting Hurley even before the beginning of the interviewing process. While preparing, they created a massive preliminary contract to attract Hurley to the Lakers’ head coach vacancy. However, the details of the contract are not revealed yet.

Moving on, Hurley signed a new contract for $32.1 million last June that guarantees him as UConn’s coach until the 2028-29 season. Hurley and UConn’s director were expected to discuss his contract extension after UConn’s second national title in April. However, Hurley expressed disappointment in a matchup held last Wednesday.

“It’s probably taken more time than any of us would have liked, but it’s not something that’s ever been a rush for me. When you’ve won back-to-back championships, you’re not calling your agent worried about the status of your contract. You’re more worried about recruiting, scheduling,” said Hurley. But the question remains: will Hurley take up the position of the Lakers’ head coach? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.