Apr 1, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski during the Final Four practice at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
By Ben Axelrod on

As the Los Angeles Lakers continue their search for a new head coach, they have apparently placed a call to Mike Krzyzewski.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Jovan Buha, the Lakers are consulting with the legendary former Duke coach regarding their next hire.

Writes Charania and Buha:

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.

Charania and Buha also report that JJ Redick, James Borrego and Sam Cassell have emerged as the initial top targets for the Lakers. Redick’s inclusion is especially notable, as the current ESPN broadcaster played for Krzyzewski during his legendary college career at Duke in the early-2000s.

Who the Lakers hire as their next head coach could prove pivotal as LeBron James has the ability to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer. Following the news that Krzyzewski is reportedly advising Los Angeles in its search, many took to social media to weigh in.

[The Athletic]

About Ben Axelrod

Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.

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