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The Los Angeles Lakers are targeting UConn’s Dan Hurley as their next head coach. Los Angeles has made initial contact with Hurley, and discussions are expected to pick up in the coming days. Adrian Wojnarowski describes the Lakers as “relentless” in trying to close a deal with Hurley and that he has been their No. 1 target since they began their search.

The Lakers are prepared to offer Hurley a massive, long-term contract to jump from the Huskies to the NBA. Even while interviewing several other candidates, Hurley has been at the forefront of the coaching search for general manager Rob Pelinka and primary governor Jeanie Buss.

Hurley has won back-to-back national championships while at Connecticut. He’s regarded as a great tactician and developer of talent. The Lakers believe Hurley will be able to maximize their young core, while developing future talent. Los Angeles believes those to be keys to winning in the NBA’s new second-apron era. With restrictions on roster-building for the most expensive teams, developing young players could be key to winning at a high level.

Hurley has expressed interest in one day coaching in the NBA and has let the Lakers know he’d like to “explore the full picture of a partnership with one of basketball’s winningest franchises.”

Reports had previously come from multiple channels that J.J. Redick was likely to be offered the job after the conclusion of The Finals, which he is working as a broadcaster. The other publicly known candidate under strong consideration has been James Borrego.