Dan Hurley didn’t wind up becoming the Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach.
But it wasn’t for a lack of effort on the Lakers’ — or LeBron James’ — end.
The UConn head coach appeared on Fox Sports’ The Herd on Thursday, three days after he revealed his decision to turn down the Lakers and remain in Storrs. During his conversation with Colin Cowherd, Hurley shared that he did have contact with James during his negotiations with Los Angeles, albeit via text message.
“We had some text messages. An incredible message from him over the course of the weekend, just talking about basketball and some different things, and letting me know that if he was there in L.A., that I’d have his support,” Hurley said. “Just think about that, man. That blew my mind. And then we got into a text exchange and the exchange even went through to when I chose to go in another direction. It blew my mind to get a text message from LeBron James. It was crazy.”
Dan Hurley says LeBron was texting him before and after his decision 👀 pic.twitter.com/EYCLPM3sqa
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 13, 2024
Even though he didn’t take the job, Hurley’s exchange with James is notable, as Tom Izzo famously couldn’t get in touch with the four-time MVP as he mulled taking the Cleveland Cavaliers’ head coaching job in 2010. As was the case 14 years ago, James has the ability to become a free agent this summer, although all indications — including Hurley’s comments — appear to be that he’ll remain in Los Angeles.
[The Herd]
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.