"Dodged that bullet" - LA Lakers fans troll ex-coaching candidate Dan Hurley after back-to-back losses  

UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley displayed more frustration as his No. 2-ranked squad dropped its second consecutive 2024 Maui Invitational contest to an unranked opponent. The ex-LA Lakers coaching candidate's continued officiating gripes gave rise to Lakers fan mockery, with some remarking about LA being fortunate Hurley declined its offer.

Hurley was assessed a crucial late-game technical foul for disputing an over-the-back foul during Monday's 99-97 overtime loss to the Memphis Tigers. Many asserted that his outburst cost UConn the game, marking the program's first defeat after its 4-0 start.

A day later, Hurley let his emotions get the best of him again. He protested a no-call on a similar play late in the Huskies' 73-72 loss to the Colorado Buffaloes. Afterward, the reigning back-to-back NCAA national championship coach said Tuesday's no-call "felt more egregious."

Nevertheless, LA fans on X/Twitter reveled in Hurley's misery after he reportedly declined their team's six-year, $70 million coaching offer over the summer.

"Hurley (experiencing) back-to-back crash outs after another UConn loss. INJECT IT IN MY VEINS!!!" @GuruLakers said.

"Disgusting. Irresponsible. Unprofessional. Sad. I love it," @LakerAzulcrema wrote.

Some called out Hurley for using the Lakers for "leverage" and "publicity" ahead of his contract extension negotiations with UConn. Upon declining LA's coaching offer in early June, he signed a six-year, $50 million deal with the Huskies a month later.

"(He) used us as leverage. (I'm) happy to be alive for this," @MarceloGS10 said.

"Cook that publicity merchant," @Ap3x16 wrote.

Others also quipped that Hurley wouldn't have fared well in the NBA anyway due to his short temper.

"Dodged that bullet Lakers-wise," @Raiders1625 said.

"He will never survive (the) NBA," @GoatGrimmer wrote.

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Lakers off to respectable start after missing out on Dan Hurley

While LA couldn't lure Dan Hurley away from UConn, it landed what many considered a high-upside coaching candidate in former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick.

The rookie coach has guided the Lakers to a respectable 10-6 start, including a 7-2 home mark. He has also been lauded for his attention to detail and analytical approach to the game.

Amid Redick's emphasis on spacing and quality shot selection, LA ranks fourth in offensive rating (117.1). Meanwhile, superstar center Anthony Davis is averaging a career-high 30.1 points per game across 15 appearances.

So, the Lakers' coaching hire appears to be paying off early on.

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