Coach K reportedly playing notable role for Lakers

Nov 13, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski calls a timeout during the second half against the Campbell Camels at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Even at 77 years old and retired, Mike Krzyzewski is still providing some valuable input for one big-name NBA team.

Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported Tuesday that Coach K has become a “respected unofficial resource” for the Los Angeles Lakers in their ongoing head-coaching search. Charania notes that Coach K has a “deep knowledge” of candidates as well as a longstanding relationship with the Lakers that dates back to 2004 (when the late owner Dr. Jerry Buss unsuccessfully attempted to hire him as head coach of the Lakers).

Coach K retired in 2022 after a highly illustrious career as the head coach at Duke University that spanned over four decades. But he also has very strong connections to the pro basketball world, largely as a result of his time as the head coach of USA Basketball for the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games. There, he coached and won gold with current Lakers like LeBron James and Anthony Davis plus former Lakers like Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard.

Additionally, Coach K landed a job in the NBA league office following his retirement as a head coach. When it comes to the Lakers, it also probably helps that the reported frontrunner for their head coaching job is one of Coach K’s former Duke players.