Statements
LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers lost Dan Hurley on Monday, a development that encapsulates the team's recent struggles and lack of direction.
A Missed Opportunity
Dan Hurley, who turned down the Lakers' six-year, $70 million offer, would rather chase a third straight NCAA championship than step into what many see as a perilous role with Los Angeles. Hurley’s decision to remain in college basketball is not surprising to those aware of the risks associated with the Lakers' head coaching position, a role that some consider a poisoned chalice.
There was no guarantee that a hard-charging, no-NBA-experience hire like Hurley would have meshed well with LeBron James. LeBron has exacting standards and a particular view on team operations; he prefers to collaborate with a head coach rather than be a subordinate. With Hurley out of the picture, the Lakers appear increasingly uncertain about their future and organizational strategy.
Internal Chaos
The Lakers’ pursuit of Hurley, a gamble from the outset, resulted in a public and slow-moving rejection that has left the franchise looking small and amateurish. The whole episode begs the question of why the Lakers would publicly chase a college coach who ultimately did not want the job. Hurley's proven track record, with tactical acumen that impressed scouts and front-office personnel, suggests he might have succeeded in transitioning to the NBA. But the history of college head coaches making the leap to professional ranks is mixed, as past performance doesn’t always predict future success.
The Lakers not only endured the public refusal but also managed to complicate scenarios for other potential candidates like JJ Redick and James Borrego. Redick, who displayed "I'll-confirm-my-new-head-coaching-gig vibes" on his podcast, and Borrego, who faced a strange limbo-meets-rejection situation, are pertinent examples. Redick and Borrego, along with other NBA-experienced candidates, witnessed the Lakers' failed press with Hurley, further complicating the head coaching search.
Diverging Philosophies
The Lakers’ two top candidates offered vastly different visions. Hurley would have represented an investment in the future, focusing on a post-LeBron reality and potentially utilizing three first-round picks to build a youthful team. On the other hand, Redick's hire would have signaled a focus on maximizing LeBron's remaining years, potentially trading those first-round picks for a star player to compete in the short term. These clashing philosophies highlight the absence of a cohesive plan within the organization.
A Slipshod Approach
The Lakers' head coaching search appears to be as haphazard as scrolling through Netflix, an unsound method for running an NBA organization. A slipshod approach can have severe consequences, as evidenced by Hurley’s refusal, which makes finding a winning candidate increasingly challenging. The Lakers face the added pressure of ensuring LeBron does not decide to take his talents elsewhere, given his significant leverage within the organization. LeBron may now exert a firmer say in the hiring process, hoping to influence decisions that could include pushing to trade for another star player.
A well-thought-out plan is imperative for a team of the Lakers' stature. However, being embarrassed by Hurley’s rejection highlights an unintended consequence of their missteps. The Lakers aimed for a shocking move by going after Hurley, but the biggest surprise remains the evident lack of a coherent strategy to build a winning team for the future.
Quotes
"I can do better."