Lakers Rumors: LeBron James 'Impressed' with UConn HC Dan Hurley amid Bronny, AD Buzz | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers could be throwing a curveball with Connecticut's Dan Hurley being targeted as their next head coach.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Hurley has impressed LeBron James with his "sophisticated offensive actions" during his tenure with the Huskies.

Wojnarowski also noted there is a possibility the Lakers can use their second-round pick (No. 55 overall) on Bronny James and they are "committed" to making Anthony Davis a "significant part" of the conversation to hire a new coach to make sure they are aligned with how he will be used on both ends of the court.

LeBron James praised Hurley on April 19 in a response to a discussion on JJ Redick's podcast:

LeBron James @KingJames

He's so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O! Love it

According to Wojnarowski, the Lakers have already had preliminary contact with Hurley and are planning to make him a "massive, long-term contract offer" in the coming days when they are expected to meet again.

James has yet to make a decision about his future. He has a $51.4 million player option for next season that must be exercised by June 29.

If James opts out of that deal, he would be eligible to sign a three-year deal worth up to $164 million. The Athletic's Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick reported on April 30 the Lakers "badly" want James back.

It appeared for a while that Redick was the top choice for the Lakers to replace Darvin Ham. Charania reported on Tuesday they were "zeroing" in on him as the front-runner.

Redick was coy about the rumors, saying during an appearance on Wednesday's episode of GoJo and Golic he would address the situation after the NBA Finals ends.

GoJo and Golic @GoJoandGolic

"My focus is on the NBA Finals. In terms of Shams, that will be addressed once the season is over. I'll just say that." <a href="">@jj_redick</a> addresses the elephant in the room — the rumors of the Lakers' interest in him as their new Head Coach <a href="">

Hurley recently wrapped up his sixth season as Connecticut's head coach. He has a 141-58 record and has won back-to-back national titles with the Huskies.

Prior to Hurley's hiring in March 2018, UConn was coming off back-to-back losing seasons and hadn't advanced past the second round of the NCAA tournament since the 2013-14 campaign.

The Lakers are coming off a season in which they finished 47-35 and earned the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. They lost in the first round of the playoffs in five games to the Denver Nuggets.