The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in the midst of their fourth coaching search in eight years, with owner Jeanie Buss receiving advice from former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, also known as “Coach K.” Krzyzewski, who retired from coaching in 2022 after a 42-year career at Duke, is reportedly a respected resource for the Lakers due to his knowledge of top coaching candidates, including former Duke star J.J. Redick. Redick, who recently started a basketball podcast with Lakers superstar LeBron James, has expressed interest in coaching and is seen as a leading candidate for the Lakers job, potentially with the influence of Krzyzewski, his college coach.
Other leading candidates for the Lakers coaching job include longtime NBA assistant coach Sam Cassell and former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego. Both Cassell and Borrego are currently co-favorites on betting markets to be the next Lakers head coach. Additionally, a number of other coaches have been connected to the Lakers job, including current LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue and Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson. The Lakers are aiming for a deep playoff run after only two Western Conference Finals appearances in five seasons with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, including their 2020 championship in the “NBA Bubble” playoffs.
LeBron James, who has a player option on his contract for next season, has not yet committed to returning to the Lakers for his 22nd NBA season. His son, Bronny James, is reportedly set to enter the 2024 NBA Draft after being medically cleared to do so on Monday. The Lakers will be looking to make a coaching hire that can help lead them to playoff success and potentially retain James for another season. The coaching search comes at a critical time for the team as they seek to build on their recent success and compete for another championship.
The involvement of Krzyzewski in the coaching search adds an interesting dynamic to the process, as his connections and knowledge of the game could play a crucial role in selecting the right candidate for the Lakers. Redick, who has no coaching experience beyond youth basketball teams, is seen as a frontrunner for the job due to his relationship with Krzyzewski and his experience as a former NBA player and current analyst. The Lakers will need to make a decision soon as they look to solidify their coaching staff and make a push for a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.
Overall, the Lakers’ coaching search is a key decision for the franchise as they look to build on their recent success and compete for another championship. With a number of high-profile candidates in the running, including J.J. Redick, Sam Cassell, and James Borrego, the team will need to make a strategic choice that aligns with their goals for the upcoming season. The influence of Krzyzewski and the potential return of LeBron James add additional intrigue to the search, as the Lakers aim to solidify their coaching staff and make a strong push in the competitive Western Conference.
