Stephen A. Smith has thrown a curveball that’s sure to keep tongues wagging for days. Appearing on First Take this Tuesday, Smith suggested that the Lakers‘ failed attempt to land UConn’s Dan Hurley might have been influenced by a surprising factor: Mrs. Hurley. Yes, you read that right. According to Smith, there are whispers within the Lakers organization that Hurley’s wife played a pivotal role in his decision to stay put in Connecticut.

“They thought they had a deal with Danny Hurley…I can assure you there are people within the Lakers organization who believe that Mrs. Hurley made that decision,” Smith emphatically stated. This revelation paints a picture of a deal that was almost inked, with Hurley seemingly ready to trade his Husky blue for Lakers purple and gold, only to hit an unexpected roadblock.

First Take co-host Molly Qerim was quick to challenge Smith’s narrative, shaking her head in disapproval. “That’s not fair,” she countered. “That’s not fair, don’t put that on her.” Her immediate pushback highlighted a crucial point: it’s not just about Hurley’s decision but the way it’s being framed. Qerim’s defense was grounded in fairness and accuracy, questioning the validity of Smith’s sources.

Smith, not one to back down easily, stood his ground. “That’s not a bad thing!” he insisted, visibly startled by Qerim’s reaction. “How’s that not fair?” The debate quickly turned into a discussion about the influence of spouses in major career decisions, with Smith adding, “We listen to a plethora of people who are happily married talk about how profoundly important their spouses’ feelings are.”

Qerim remained unconvinced, maintaining that Smith’s assertion wasn’t based on solid facts. “I just don’t think that’s factual,” she said.. As the two sparred, it became clear that this wasn’t just about Hurley or the Lakers-it was about the broader implications of attributing a major career decision to a coach’s spouse.

Hurley’s comments on podcast suggest Stephen A. might not be in the wrong

Interestingly, Hurley himself provided some context a day before the Lakers’ interest became public. Speaking on The Mike Francesa Podcast, Hurley hinted at the influence of his wife, saying, “She’s the boss,” when asked about the prospect of moving to the NBA. This comment, while seemingly lighthearted, added fuel to Smith’s fire, suggesting there might be more than a grain of truth to the rumor.

However, there’s a subtle but important distinction to be made here. While Hurley undoubtedly valued his wife’s opinion, implying that she made the decision for him is a leap. It’s one thing for a spouse to be part of the decision-making process and another to be the decisive factor. This nuance seemed lost in the heated exchange between Smith and Qerim.

In the end, JJ Redick was announced as the Lakers’ new head coach, leaving many to wonder what might have been. Was Hurley really on the verge of signing with the Lakers, only to be vetoed by his wife? Or is this just another chapter in the endless drama that surrounds one of the NBA’s most storied franchises? Smith’s implications certainly add a tantalizing layer to the story, but without concrete evidence, it remains just that-a tantalizing implication.

As the dust settles, Hurley stays with UConn, and the Lakers move forward with Redick. Whether Mrs. Hurley was the real reason or just part of the decision-making process, one thing is clear: the Lakers’ quest for a new coach is never short of intrigue and speculation. And in the world of sports, where there’s smoke, there’s often fire.