J.R. Smith. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

JR Smith sends warning to Dan Hurley as Lakers rumors swirl

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Dan Benton | Last updated Jun 8, 2024 10:34 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly hot on the trail of UConn’s Dan Hurley, who they are targeting as their next head coach. However, former Laker JR Smith seems to have a warning for Hurley: Don’t do it.

On Friday afternoon, Smith shared a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, seemingly imploring Hurley to stay away from Los Angeles.

@danhurleyuconn don’t fall for it!

— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) June 7, 2024

It’s unlikely Hurley got the message because Smith tagged the wrong account.

But Hurley is no stranger to Smith. From 2002-04, he coached the two-time NBA champion at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, where Smith earned McDonald’s All-American honors as a senior before being selected 18th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2004 NBA Draft.

Smith spent the 2020 season with the Lakers, where he picked up his second and final NBA championship. He has yet to officially retire from the game of basketball and even hinted at a possible return last year.

Why Smith is so adamant that Hurley pass on the Lakers job is unclear. He didn’t provide any additional detail on X, nor did he reply to anyone questioning his motives.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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