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Magic Johnson Explicitly Says Who Lakers Should Hire As Next Coach

Magic Johnson Explicitly Says Who Lakers Should Hire As Next Coach

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a search for their next head coach. At the moment, two people appear to be the frontrunners: Dan Hurley and J.J. Redick.

Hurley, a back-to-back champion with UConn, has been described as L.A.’s top choice at the moment. That said, Redick has been the name most closely associated with the job for weeks.

This week, Lakers legend Magic Johnson weighed in on the topic. He didn’t mince words when it came to who he would like to see take over for Darvin Ham.

“I heard the great news that Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss and GM/VP of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka have had conversations with back-to-back NCAA champion and current UConn Head Coach, Dan Hurley, about becoming the next Lakers Head Coach,” he wrote on social media.

“I’m so excited and thrilled! This would be a game changer for the Lakers organization, LeBron, AD, the rest of the Laker players, Laker Nation and the NBA! Coach Hurley can coach his butt off.”

Johnson’s campaign for Hurley didn’t stop there, though. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show, the Lakers legend once again argued for Hurley.

“I want the coach to be Hurley,” Johnson explicitly stated.

“If we sign him I think it works for both. It works for Coach Hurley… He’s great with offense and defensive strategy, and he’s tough…”

It is easy to see why Johnson likes Hurley. The latter’s strategy for Bronny James and L.A.’s young players could be a game-changer.

The question now is simply whether Hurley’s wife will sign off on the move.

Will the Lakers’ front office heed Johnson’s advice and sign Hurley to a long-term deal? An answer one way or the other is coming soon enough.

Related: LeBron James Expected To Go To 1 Of 2 Teams If He Leaves Lakers

Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
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