“I think Danny can do a hell of a job coaching in the NBA. Coaching is coaching. It’s relationships,” Malone said on The Jim Rome Show.

Malone, who has a longstanding friendship with Hurley, praised the UConn coach’s offensive and defensive strategies, noting his impressive tenure with the Huskies.

“I think Danny Hurley is a great coach. You look at what he’s done at UConn, back-to-back championships,” Malone said. “We were actually in Utah, and we watched the championship game as a staff, and I was so impressed with not only their offense. Everybody talks about their offense—I thought their defense was outstanding.”

The Lakers are reportedly preparing a “massive, long-term contract” for Hurley, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

This comes as the team is also finalizing a deal with veteran sharpshooter JJ Redick, who co-hosts a show with Lakers star LeBron James.

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Hurley has transformed UConn into a national powerhouse, leading the Huskies to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024.

He was named the 2024 BIG EAST Coach of the Year and the Naismith College Coach of the Year.

Despite having no prior NBA experience, the Lakers are reportedly offering Hurley a contract worth over $100 million, which would place him among the league’s highest-paid coaches.

It indicates the team’s desire for stability and the establishment of a strong culture moving forward.