The Los Angeles Lakers have zeroed in on UConn head coach Dan Hurley as their top choice to replace Darvin Ham, according to various sources, despite ongoing speculation that had suggested that former NBA star JJ Redick was close to being appointed.

Multiple NBA insiders have suggested that Hurley has been the first-choice option to hire, while the Lakers had also considered Redick, but they now appear to be closing in on hiring the college basketball coach.

Hurley is coming off the back of winning consecutive champions with the University of Connecticut achieving these feats without any perceived star-studded players on their team.

James has already made his feelings clear about the head coach, endorisng Hurley on Twitter earlier this year, writing: "He's so DAMN GOOD!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O. Love it! ".

James, who is up for free agency this summer after six years with the Lakers, holds a pivotal decision over whether or not he activates a clause to prolong his stay through the 2024-25 NBA season. His association with Redick, including partnering on their own podcast show, led to speculation that bringing Redick on board might be instrumental in retaining James.

The Lakers are reportedly in discussions with Hurley, now seemingly prioritising him over Redick - who was always an unexpected contender. Despite his reputation as an analyst, he has no professional coaching experience, having retired from playing in 2021.

Redick and James co-host the popular NBA podcast 'Mind the Game'. The rumours of Redick being a potential head coach led many to speculate it was a strategy to bring James back to the team, but this now seems unlikely.

The Lakers continue to be the frontrunners to secure James once more, who will sign a one-year, $50 million contract if he chooses to opt-in to his deal. LeBron also hopes to see the team draft his son, Bronny James, who will enter the NBA Draft after a single season at USC.

Bronny had initially been seen as a player unlikely to be drafted, after playing in a limited role for the USC Trojans - surprisingly declaring for the NBA Draft last month. But after impressing at the combine, along with rumors that he could join up with his father in the NBA, James Jr could see a monumental rise up draft boards.