OutKick's Dan Dakich, Isiah Thomas React To Dan Hurley Picking UConn Over Lakers | 'Don't @ Me'

UConn coach Dan Hurley crushed Lakers fans' hopes of joining the prestigious NBA franchise, turning down an offer to coach LA reportedly worth around $70 million.

Now, the dysfunctional franchise scrambles around, looking for a name to not just assume the role but help the Lakers rebound from Hurley's decision, which favored staying in college over coaching an NBA team in a key market.

OutKick's Dan Dakich spoke on Hurley's decision to stay at UConn over coaching the Lakers and famous diva LeBron James. 

Dakich also welcomed NBA icon Isiah Thomas to get his thoughts on Hurley's decision — calling the move "a massive win for college athletics." 

Dakich questioned if Hurley ever had a chance to meet with LeBron James, and how Hurley viewed the Lakers' top stars (James, Anthony Davis) when evaluating the Lakers' job offer. Perhaps Hurley witnessed an immediate disconnect between the team star and the coach.

"I don't want to go in there after not having a conversation with the superstar, and the superstar can kiss my backside," Dakich reacted. "You have to have a great relationship with your best players if you're going to coach in the NBA."

On Tuesday's episode of ‘Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,' Isiah Thomas said Hurley made the right move by prioritizing his situation over the money LA was ready to give the back-to-back national title-winning coach.

"I think [Hurley] made the right decision staying at UConn because what he really enjoys is impacting lives. He's created a culture he talks about and that culture can only be established in college or high school. I don't think you can have that type of culture in the NBA because of the travels, players, families and everything that comes along with it.

WATCH Tuesday's segment from ‘Don't At Me with Dan Dakich':

Catch Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich every Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET on OutKick.

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Send a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com