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.