Lakers Rumors: Anthony Davis Has 'Significant' Say in New HC amid LeBron, Hurley Buzz

Los Angeles Lakers All-Star big man Anthony Davis is reportedly expected to have a hand in the franchise's selection of its next head coach.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers intend to make Davis "a significant part of the conversation," and want him to be aligned with the coach in terms of their "plans to feature him on both offense and defense."

The Lakers have reportedly already interviewed former NBA guard JJ Redick, Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, Denver Nuggets assistant David Adelman and former Charlotte Hornets head coach and current New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego for their vacancy, but Wojnarowski reported Thursday that the Lakers are "preparing a massive, long-term contract offer" for UConn head men's basketball coach Dan Hurley.

Hurley reportedly already has a supporter in Lakers superstar LeBron James, who "has been impressed with Hurley's sophisticated offensive actions," per Wojnarowski.

Prior to the report of Hurley becoming the Lakers' main target, it was widely thought that Redick was the front-runner.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported earlier this week that the Lakers were "zeroing in" on potentially making Redick the franchise's next head coach despite his lack of coaching experience.

Redick presumably has a huge ally in his corner in the form of James, who co-hosts the Mind the Game Pod with him.

There has been speculation that AD isn't necessarily as gung-ho about the idea of hiring Redick as James is, with NBA insider Marc Stein reporting Wednesday that Davis "probably prefers" Borrego over Redick after working with him for a short period of time with the then-New Orleans Hornets.

Given the fact that Hurley won back-to-back national championships at UConn and is heralded as one of the best coaches in basketball, it is conceivable that both James and Davis would be open to him as the replacement for Darvin Ham, who was fired after two seasons at the helm.

James has already publicly gone on record regarding his feelings on Hurley, complimenting his offensive coaching acumen back in April:

The Lakers are always a threat to contend for a championship with James and Davis leading the way, but they haven't reached the NBA Finals and won a title since 2020.

They came close in 2023 when they lost to the eventual NBA champion Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, but they took a step backward this season, losing to the Nuggets in the first round.

Given that James is 39 years of age and Davis is 31 with a lengthy injury history, the Lakers' championship window may not be open for much longer.

That is why it is so important for L.A. to get its head coaching hire right, and to ensure that both James and Davis are all-in on the hire, assuming that LeBron either exercises his player option for next season or re-signs on a new deal.