The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in hiring UConn Huskies men's basketball coach Dan Hurley to be their next head coach, ESPN reports.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports both Hurley and the team have had preliminary contact and are planning to escalate talks in the next few days.

Wojnarowski says Hurley has been at the forefront of the team's search from the beginning.

Hurley has led the Huskies to back-to-back NCAA national championships.

Hurley has previously spoken about his desire to one day be a head coach in the NBA.

Gov. Ned Lamont confirmed he spoke to Uconn officials Thursday, but did not elaborate on that conversation.

"I just know that Dan Hurley is the greatest coach in America, so it's no wonder professional teams are paying attention. Obviously we love him here in Connecticut. I know what he means to the boys. It's not like teaching a professional in L.A. Right here, teaching these kids, they are better men for having been coached by Dan Hurley and they're world champions," said Lamont.

Lamont said although it is up to the university to keep Hurley, the decision to move lies with Hurley and his family.