The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly opening up the checkbook in a major way, dangling a colossal contract offer to lure Dan Hurley away from the college ranks.

According to reports, the Lakers are reportedly presenting Hurley, the current head coach at UConn, with a guaranteed deal exceeding a staggering $100 million. This would make Hurley one of the highest-paid coaches in NBA history, dwarfing even the top earners like Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich.

A potential 6-year, $100 million pact would put Hurley’s annual salary north of $16 million, placing him second only to Kerr’s $17.5 million per year. It’s an eye-watering sum that reflects the Lakers’ fervent belief in Hurley and their desperation to secure him as their next head coach, despite his lack of NBA experience.

Crucially, this type of stratospheric offer is well beyond the means of any college basketball program, including the powerhouse that is UConn. It gives the Lakers a significant recruiting edge, as they leverage their deep pockets to lure Hurley away from the college ranks.

This marks a decisive shift for the Lakers, who have long held a reputation as financial conservatives. But with no salary cap on coaching contracts, the franchise appears willing to flex its financial muscle in a big way, making a bold gamble on Hurley as their preferred coaching target.

If Hurley ultimately declines this unprecedented offer, it certainly won’t be due to a lack of effort or resources on the Lakers’ part. They are pulling out all the stops to secure their man, showcasing their willingness to invest heavily in the right candidate.