UConn coach Dan Hurley revealed that he and LeBron James had a texting exchange before he made his decision to reject LA’s head coaching offer.
This information comes after several reports that James hasn’t involved himself in the search for the Lakers new head coach.
Hurley ended up turning down LA’s $70 million contract offer earlier this week, but shared that he and LeBron were in contact before then.
“We had some text messages and you know… incredible message from him over the course of the weekend just talking about basketball and some different things,” Hurley said Thursday on The Herd with Colin Cowherd. “And letting me know that if he was there in L.A. that I would have his support. Just think about that man. That blew my mind.
“And then we got into a text exchange and the exchange even went through when I chose to go in another direction. So, you know, it blew my mind when [I] get a text message from LeBron James.”
On another talk show, Hurley said he hadn’t spoken (in person or on the phone) with LeBron throughout the process.
“I did not,” Hurley said won The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz when asked if he had spoken to James. “You know, we had some communication. One of my first games I ever coached in was a high school against LeBron, was in Delaware when he was at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School.
“… I shared the court with him once and it would have been a thrill to coach him… I know that he wants a great coach in that organization. I know that’s important to him.”
JJ Redick will now formally interview for the Lakers top job, following Hurley’s rejection.
READ MORE: JJ Redick Set to Formally Interview For Lakers Coaching Job: Report