Stephen A. Smith Pumps the Brakes on Lakers’ Potential Coach Dan Hurley Hype Train; Claims Darvin Ham “Would’ve Done That Job”

Stephen A. Smith, Los Angeles Lakers (Image source Youtube First Take)
During a recent episode of “First Take,” host Stephen A. Smith made a bold statement about the leading candidate for the next head coaching position for the Los Angeles Lakers. Former NBA players Kendrick Perkins and Udonis Haslem, along with Molly Qerim and Smith, discussed the potential of Dan Hurley as the new head coach for the Lakers. While Smith admired Hurley’s potential as a coach, he expressed uncertainty about whether Dan Hurley could change the trajectory of the Lakers.

“So, although I love Dan Hurley, and I think that he is an exceptional coach and a champion, I think that he deserves this opportunity if he decides to take it. What have you? What we’re not going to do is sit here and act like he’s going to pull off something that wasn’t on the verge of being pulled off. Smith said

“I Believe Darvin Ham Would’ve Done That Job”

Smith further praised Hurley, stating that he would do a good job. However, he also mentioned that Darvin Ham would have been a better candidate for the Lakers’ coaching role.

“That the Lakers were so far removed from a championship equation or anything like that under Darvin Ham that all of a sudden, he’s coming in as the savior. Darvin Ham had them in the Western Conference Finals. Hurley, I think, would do a good job. But the job that he would come there and do for the Los Angeles Lakers, I believe Darvin Ham would’ve done that job. Smith added.

The Lakers have been on the hunt for a coaching staff since the team’s early exit from the first round of the playoffs. Recently, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that JJ Redick was rumored to be a frontrunner for the Lakers’ head coach position. However, ESPN’s analyst Adrian Wojnarowski revealed in his recent reports that the Lakers are targeting Hurley to become the franchise’s next coach.

3X NBA Champion Makes Shocking Predictions for Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving After Mavericks’ Game 1 Loss in NBA Finals

 

Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving (Image Credit: Getty Images)
During a recent episode of the ‘Draymond Green Show,’ the hosts, Draymond and Danny Green, discussed Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. Danny shared his opinion on the Mavericks’ loss, mentioning that Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks’ guard, didn’t play well and that Luka Doncic, the star player of Dallas, took more time to settle into the game.

“Hell of a win for them, but Dallas found some things; I wouldn’t be too confident after watching tonight’s game. Kai [Kyrie Irving] didn’t have a great game, and I don’t think the energy Porzingis is going to be able to sustain that. Like you said, they switched. They didn’t trap as much. I didn’t see much of that. Both teams switched. They are going to take advantage of that. Luka took him a quarter to settle in, but Once he settled in, he found something… Now [Kyrie Irving] just has to settle in. Once that happens… We’re gonna have a series.” Danny Green said.

Draymond Green Backs Mavericks To “Get The Job Done”

Draymond Green also commented on the Mavericks players’ performance and made predictions about the dynamic duo of Irving and Doncic.

I think it is Luka’s time, and I think Kyrie wants another one. That experience is going to matter. I don’t think it’s a matter of JB and JT not playing well. I just ultimately think Dallas is going to get the job done. They’re on a magical run. They’ve got all the pieces… Dallas in six is what I got. I’m rolling with it.” Draymond Green said.