Geno Auriemma reveals hilarious Dan Hurley-Lakers joke amid buzz

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to gain buzz amid their next heading coach. Reports indicate that Dan Hurley has emerged as the lead candidate for Los Angeles’ vacancy. UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma added to the mayhem by revealing a comical but bold conversation with Hurley.

Auriemma was allegedly with Hurley the night before his Lakers coaching candidacy news blew up. The fellow UConn coach revealed a prophetic message and subtle JJ Redick shade to Hurley amid the buzz.

“You know this is really funny because I happened to be at a thing with him last night. And I have no idea what’s going on, where [his Lakers coaching candidacy is at]. But I just leaned over and said, ‘I think you could win a lot of championships with the Lakers, more so than a guy who’s never coached,” Hurley said, via the Dan Patrick Show.

It is safe to assume the “guy who’s never coached” is JJ Redick. But besides the subtle jab at Redick, it is crazy to think that Dan Hurley emerged as the Lakers’ target one day after his alleged conversation with Geno Auriemma. Will Hurley win Los Angeles’ favor over Redick and the rest of their coaching suitors?

Geno Auriemma’s take on Hurley holds some credence. After all, Hurley led the highly respected UConn men’s basketball team to two consecutive championships. He has helped them remain a national force since joining the team during the 2018-19 season. Hurley’s experience could help the Lakers achieve short and long-term success.

As for Auriemma, he wants to continue helping the UConn women’s basketball team remain competitive. The Huskies nearly advanced to the 2024 NCAA Tournament final but were beaten by Caitlin Calrk and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the semifinal. Will Auriemma’s Dan Hurley take become true with the Lakers?

Lakers have big decisions to make going into 2024-25

In mid-May, JJ Redick was deemed an early frontrunner for the Lakers’ head coach search following Darvin Ham’s departure.

It would be quite interesting to see JJ Redick at the helm of the Lakers. The former sharpshooter already has an important connection on the team: LeBron James. James and Redick co-host a podcast called “Mind the Game” where viewers can dive into their high-IQ basketball minds.

Speaking of which, if there is one thing Redick offers at an elite level, it is his knowledge of the game. Redick has over 19 years of NBA experience and was one of the best three-point shooters in the league. In addition, he has served as a sports broadcaster breaking down various basketball angles.

Yet, the Lakers’ interest in Redick has seemingly been replaced by the prospect of hiring Dan Hurley. Hurley possesses more coaching experience than Redick, but would he be able to cultivate the same relationship Redick has with LeBron James and other players?

James will likely be a factor in Los Angeles’ decision, given his status on the team. Still, the star forward’s window to win another title is closing as his 22nd year in the NBA approaches. It will be interesting to see the decision the Lakers make ahead of the 2024-25 season.