Los Angeles Lakers news: According to reports, legendary Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski is going to play a major role in the LA’s search for their next man at the helm. There is a big catch, though, as Coach K isn’t expected to be a candidate for the job vacancy in Hollywood.
Instead, Krzyzewski will reportedly serve as a consultant as the Lakers carry on their exhaustive search for Darvin Ham’s replacement.
Los Angeles Lakers News: Mike Krzyzewski an ‘Unofficial Resource’ for LA
According to a report by Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers have turned to Krzyzewski as a consultant as they vet several candidates for the high-profile job in LA:
“Multiple sources briefed on the matter say one person who has become a respected unofficial resource for the Lakers during the process is legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, whose deep knowledge for candidates, such as Redick and others, provides a lens into the culture the organization wants and the characteristics of a potential staff around the next head coach. Krzyzewski’s history with the Lakers goes back to 2004 when Dr. Jerry Buss made a strong yet unsuccessful offer to hire Coach K,” read the report.
I’m pretty sure Lakers fans would love to see the five-time NCAA champion coach take over the helm in LA, but at this point, it is clear that Coach K’s loyalty remains deeply tied to Duke.
The JJ Redick Factor
As the above report indicates, Krzyzewski has ties with former Blue Devil JJ Redick, who is currently considered one of the frontrunners to land the Lakers coaching gig. It is clear that Redick, who has no professional coaching experience, has become a serious candidate for LA, and perhaps the organization is (unofficially) employing the services of Coach K not only to provide intel on Redick but perhaps to also act as a mediator of sorts.
It is worth noting that this is far from a one-horse race for Redick. Former Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego has also emerged as a top-tier candidate for the Lakers, as well as long-time NBA assistant coach Sam Cassell.
Whatever the case might be, it now appears that Krzyzewski will play a pivotal role in this major decision for the Lakers.
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