Lakers Rumors: Mike Krzyzewski Is Unofficial HC Search Consultant amid JJ Redick Buzz

Legendary former Duke head men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski is reportedly aiding the Los Angeles Lakers in their search for a new head coach.

According to Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Coach K has emerged as a "respected unofficial resource" for the Lakers as they look for a replacement for Darvin Ham after firing him earlier this month.

Fittingly, one of the top candidates early in the process is reportedly JJ Redick, who played under Krzyzewski for four seasons.

Krzyzewski retired from coaching after the 2021-22 season as the winningest head coach in men's college basketball history with 1,202 victories.

While Coach K remained with the Blue Devils from 1980 until his retirement, Charania and Buha noted that he has had a good relationship with the Lakers since then-Lakers owner Jerry Buss made a strong bid to hire him in 2004.

Additionally, Krzyzewski coached the United States men's basketball team to gold medals at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics, and he coached current Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis during that time.

It stands to reason that Coach K would be willing to throw his support behind Redick to be the Lakers' next head coach given that Redick is one of the greatest players in Duke history.

After winning or tying for each of the men's national college player of the year awards at Duke in 2006, Redick went on to enjoy a highly successful career in the NBA with multiple teams over the course of 15 seasons.

Redick has never been a head coach at any level, let alone the NBA, but he has a ton of playing experience and a great mind for the game.

Also, he and James recently started a podcast together called Mind the Game Pod, which features them discussing the X's and O's of basketball.

One would think that having the face of the franchise in his corner, as well as Coach K, would make Redick one of the top contenders to succeed Ham.

In addition to Redick, Charania and Buha reported that current Boston Celtics assistant and three-time NBA championship-winning guard Sam Cassell is in the mix for the job, as is former Charlotte Hornets head coach and current New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego.