How Mike Krzyzewski is leading Lakers’ Dan Hurley push

The rumor mill is essentially on fire right now with the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly pursuing UConn head coach Dan Hurley. However, LA is potentially getting some help from Duke legend, Mike Krzyzewski.

The talk around town is that Coach K is serving as an “unofficial advisor” for the Lakers as they try to land Dan Hurley as their next head coach, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic. Mike Krzyzewski reportedly spoke with Hurley about taking the UConn job back in 2018.

“Legendary former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who, according to multiple sources, has become a respected unofficial advisor to the Lakers during the hiring process, has a strong relationship with Hurley. Krzyzewski coached Hurley’s older brother, Bobby, at Duke from 1989 to 1993, winning back-to-back championships in 1991 and 1992. Back in March, Dan Hurley said that Krzyzewski pushed him to take the UConn job in 2018 and that the two speak at least twice yearly.”

If the rumors are true, then it’s not crazy to believe that Krzyzewski is possibly pushing Dan Hurley to take the Lakers’ job. Especially if the former Duke coach is serving as an “unofficial advisor” for Los Angeles. Of course, these are rumors for now but the connection between Krzyzewski and Hurley cannot be ignored.

It’s important to note that Coach K has a history with the other Lakers’ head coaching candidate, JJ Redick. Although that’s true, the rumors are that Mike Krzyzewski is more likely helping Dan Hurley than he is Redick.

“Though Krzyzewski also has ties to Redick, who played under him at Duke from 2002 to 2006, his relationship with Hurley and the belief he has shown in him has been one of the many factors in the process that has led the Lakers to aggressively pursue him, according to team and league sources.”

Dan Hurley is currently the biggest name amongst head coaches in college basketball. He’s coached at every level outside of the NBA. He’s led the UConn basketball team to back-to-back championships.

Why a Dan Hurley hire is perfect for the Lakers

Los Angeles has gone through several head coaches over the past several years. There just hasn’t been any consistency there and as a result, the Lakers haven’t been nearly as competitive as they would like to be. Finding the right head coach can lead to great things and that’s exactly why LA is pursuing Dan Hurley.

Hurley has a proven track record and is arguably the best coach in college basketball. He’s won at every level and the Lakers hope that continues if he takes the head coaching job.

The reason why this move makes sense for the Lakers is because they need a long-term answer as head coach. Of all the available candidates, Hurley is the most likely to hold the position for much longer than three years. If that’s the case, Los Angeles could have Dan Hurley coaching the team well beyond LeBron James’ tenure. That would be an ideal situation for LA.

College basketball coaches tend to struggle at the pro level. But Dan Hurley could be the one who breaks that trend. He routinely gets the best out of his players. Additionally, he’s an intense coach who should be able to handle any adversity the NBA throws his way. The Lakers are attempting to make a big move and if it pays off then this franchise could be back in the NBA Finals sooner, rather than later.