UConn’s three-year national championship run came to an end when Florida upset the Huskies in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The March Madness loss crushed many college basketball fans — but for Los Angeles Lakers supporters, it was a different story.
Just months ago, head coach. Dan Hurley turned down a six-year, $70 million contract from the Lakers to stay at UConn and chase a three-peat. But after his early tournament exit, Lakers fans took to social media, feeling relieved that the team went with JJ Redick instead.
Since then, the two sides have headed in opposite directions. Under first-year head coach Redick, the Lakers posted a surprising 43-27 record and secured the fourth seed in the competitive Western Conference — exceeding most expectations.
Dan Hurley’s NCAA Tournament Meltdown Fuels Los Angeles Lakers Fan Reactions
Hurley’s animated sideline behavior during the loss added fuel to the fire. Throughout the game, he grew visibly frustrated, arguing with referees and letting his emotions boil over. His frustrations eventually spilled into profane language as he left the court.
Lakers fans quickly pointed to Hurley’s emotional reactions as proof he wouldn’t have been a good fit coaching NBA players. One Lakers fan noted that Hurley’s ego and lack of patience wouldn’t sit well with professional athletes.
Many fans now view Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn as a major misstep. What once looked like a potential historic coaching legacy could turn into a cautionary tale, especially after the early-tournament exit.
Lakers Fans Celebrate JJ Redick’s Success Amid Hurley’s Disappointment
As news of UConn’s loss spread, Lakers fans flooded social media. One fan summed it up best, posting on X, “Yeah… dodged a bullet on that one!”
Yeah… dodged a bullet on that one!
— Jason Bilyeu (@BilyeuSports) March 24, 2025
Another fan didn’t hold back, writing, “Shout out to Dan Hurley for turning down the Lakers job so he could win a single NCAA tourney game.” The sarcastic jab highlighted the irony of Hurley chasing glory but falling short.
Shout out to Dan Hurley for turning down the Lakers job so he could win a single NCAA tourney game
pic.twitter.com/E9feZTR20X— Shane (@Shane00) March 23, 2025
Hurley’s sideline behavior was also called out. One fan took it a step further, posting, “That dude is on so much blow,” criticizing the coach’s intense reactions.
Hurley will forever be a UConn legend for what he’s brought to the program. But given the success Redick has found in Los Angeles, it’s no surprise Lakers fans feel like they got the better end of a hypothetical deal.