The Lakers are looking to turn to the college ranks — not the media business — to help restore them to greatness.

Los Angeles’ coaching search took an unexpected turn Thursday morning with ESPN reporting the team is pursuing UConn’s two-time national champion coach Dan Hurley. The two sides have had preliminary talks with discussions expected to escalate in the coming days. Los Angeles is expected to make a “massive, long-term contract offer.”

The Post confirmed that Hurley is interested in the Lakers’ opening.

The Athletic had previously reported for weeks that JJ Redick — an ESPN analyst and LeBron James’ podcast co-host — was the favorite for the position.

The Lakers fired Darvin Ham after a disappointing season that ended with a first-round playoff elimination by the Nuggets in five games.

But Thursday’s report states Hurley has been at “the forefront” of the Lakers’ coaching search since the beginning, even while they met with other candidates.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss are “eager” to discuss the position with Hurley, whose “tactical acumen” and “elite player development” appeal to them, per ESPN.

Hurley has described a willingness to potentially one day coach in the NBA, and he reportedly has told the Lakers he wants to explore the “full picture” of a potential union.

“I do aspire one day, if the right NBA situation were to come along, I do aspire to really test myself,” Hurley said on “The Mike Francesa podcast” earlier this month. “If the right situation [came along] where an organization wants a tone-setter to come in and instill a culture, young players and an organization that wants to pursue championships [I would be interested].”

Hurley was recently asked on “The Dan Patrick Show” about what could lead him to leave UConn, and he mentioned the NBA “down the road if I can grow up a little bit.”

“I think college has become like the G League in a way. It’s obviously tongue in cheek,” he said. “The college game has changed. … I’m more worried about burnout than going to the NBA.”

Obviously, big money from a franchise such as the Lakers could change that.

Since turning down overtures from Kentucky, Hurley and Connecticut have been talking about a contract extension, but it has yet to get done, he told local reporters Wednesday.

“It’s probably taken more time than any of us would have liked, but it’s not something that’s ever been a rush for me,” Hurley said. “When you’ve won back-to-back championships, you’re not calling your agent worried about the status of your contract. You’re more worried about recruiting, scheduling.

“It’s complicated. There’s a business side of it, which you allow your agent to advise you on. I’m not a business man. I’m not good at that. I’m a one-trick pony.”

In a coincidental twist, Redick actually had Hurley on his podcast after UConn’s national title game triumph over Purdue in April, and James showered the coach with love.

“He’s so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff,” James tweeted. “Super creative with their O! Love it.”

After winning back-to-back titles, Hurley has already talked about winning yet another crown.

The Huskies have had a strong offseason, adding quality transfers Tarris Reed Jr. from Michigan and Aidan Mahaney from Saint Mary’s, along with landing five-star forward Liam McNeeley.

They are losing starters Cam Spencer, Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle and Tristen Newton to the professional ranks and graduation, but are still considered a preseason top-five team.

If Hurley was to leave UConn, the entire roster would have 30 days to enter the transfer portal.

It would seem likely that, at least for this year, Connecticut would promote associate head coach Kimani Young if Hurley does take the Lakers job. Young has recruited much of the roster.