The Lakers' Misstep: A Story of Poor Decisions and Uncertainty
LOS ANGELES -- On Monday, the Lakers found themselves in a precarious position after losing Dan Hurley. This turn of events came after Hurley turned down the Lakers' six-year, $70 million offer. While this development might not come as a shock to some, it has left many questioning the Lakers' direction and decision-making process.
The Risk of Hurley
Dan Hurley, a successful college coach with a chance to chase a third straight NCAA championship, was a gamble for the Lakers. There were no guarantees that a hard-charging, no-NBA-experience hire like Hurley would fit well with a star player like LeBron James. LeBron is known for his exacting standards and particular view of how teams should operate. He prefers to be a partner with a head coach rather than a subordinate, making it essential for any potential hire to align with his vision.
Internal Confusion and Public Embarrassment
The Lakers' pursuit of Hurley highlights an issue that has plagued the organization: a lack of clear direction. The franchise appears uncertain about whom they want to become and how they plan to get there. This indecision has resulted in the Lakers embarrassing themselves by chasing what many saw as a gamble. The slow-moving and public nature of Hurley's rejection makes the Lakers look small and amateurish.
It raises a critical question: why would the Lakers put themselves out there for a college coach who didn't even want the job? While Hurley might have been a huge success in Los Angeles, his decision to stay at UConn emphasizes the uncertainty within the Lakers' front office. Scouts and front-office personnel have been impressed with the tactical level of UConn's teams under Hurley, which makes it plausible that he could have made the leap from college basketball to NBA coaching. However, this possibility remains untested.
The Overshadowed Candidates
Meanwhile, other candidates, particularly those with NBA experience, watched the Lakers' failed pursuit with a keen eye. JJ Redick, who seemed to be positioning himself for a head coaching gig on his podcast, must feel particularly stung. Having to go on national TV and pretend he hadn't been passed over for someone else must have been difficult. James Borrego was also left in a strange limbo, facing rejection and uncertainty over the past few days.
The Lakers' two strongest candidates offered starkly different visions. Hiring Hurley would have signaled an investment in a longer game and a focus on a post-LeBron reality. In contrast, bringing in Redick would have indicated a focus on competing in the short term, emphasizing LeBron's waning years. Redick might have traded three first-round picks for a star player, whereas Hurley might have used them to build a youthful team. These conflicting visions reflect the franchise's broader confusion.
Consequences of a Slipshod Approach
The Lakers' approach to hiring a new head coach has been likened to scrolling through Netflix, with little consideration for long-term consequences. This slipshod approach has real repercussions, making it difficult to find a winning candidate and potentially influencing LeBron's future decisions. With plenty of leverage, LeBron might have a firmer say in who gets the coaching gig, potentially pushing for a trade for another star. This could be an acceptable outcome if it were part of a well-thought-out plan. However, it isn't a suitable consequence of being publicly embarrassed by Hurley's rejection.
The biggest surprise is that the team Hurley passed on appears to lack a coherent plan. The Lakers don't seem to know their vision for winning in the future. This uncertainty doesn't bode well for a franchise that once prided itself on stability and success.
In conclusion, the Lakers' failure to land Dan Hurley exposes deeper issues within the organization. Their indecision, public embarrassment, and conflicting visions highlight a franchise struggling to find its way. As they pivot to other candidates, the Lakers must address these underlying problems to regain their footing and chart a clear path forward.