Report: Jay Wright seen as 'stealth candidate' for Lakers job if Dan Hurley declines

If UConn head coach Dan Hurley does not choose to take the Los Angeles Lakers job, reports are that another former Big East basketball coach could be on LA’s radar.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Wright is a “stealth candidate” and his name could emerge for the position if Hurley declines. Here was what Stein wrote on his Substack, The Stein Line, on Sunday, according to Awful Announcing:

“I had been warned early on by one well-placed insider, for what it’s worth, to stay ready in case former Villanova coach Jay Wright emerged as a stealth candidate. That backstory is sure to surface sooner rather than later… presumably soon after the Lakers do or don’t land Hurley.”

So, apparently the former Villanova coach had his name considered by Lakers brass, and if Hurley is out of the picture, perhaps that consideration heats up a bit.

However, Wright’s name has been linked to other jobs since his retirement, including this offseason when the Kentucky job came open. Wright was never even formally offered the position, but when pressed for comment on whether he’d be interested in the opportunity with the Wildcats while on live TV, Wright said he’s just happy where he’s at now.

“Well, I appreciate that Kenny and I am so happy doing this,” Wright said on TBS’ pregame show to Kenny Smith, who asked the question. “I’m telling you right now. I like being Kenny’s coach. Even thought I’m not Chuck’s coach yet. I haven’t earned that yet. I’ve haven’t earned that yet. But I love being Kevin’s coach and I say this. Chuck, to your point about John running his course.”

Seth Davis doubled down on the questioning, asking him: “is that a firm no?”

“Yes, yes,” Wright said. “Told ya, I’m Kenny’s coach.”

Jay Wright spent 21 seasons coaching at Villanova, where he compiled a 520-197 (.725) overall record. He went 244-123 (.665) in Big East play.

During that span, Wright reached the NCAA Tournament 16 times. He reached the Sweet 16 eight times, the Elite Eight six times, the Final Four four times and won two national championships, doing so in 2016 and 2018. He has twice been named the Naismith College Coach of the Year, while being named the NABC Coach of the Year and winning the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award once.

Wright won the Big East regular season title eight times and won the Big East Tournament five times. He was a six-time Big East Coach of the Year.