The Los Angeles Lakers dismissed former head Darvin Ham after two seasons coaching the team and are in the process of finding his replacement.
Following a first-round elimination at the hands of the Nuggets earlier this postseason, it didn’t take long for the organization to make a change at the coaching position. Ham was also on the hot seat following a “disconnect” in the locker room earlier this season.
RELATED: We should’ve known Darvin Ham was cooked as soon as LeBron James decided to podcast with JJ Redick
Now, per Shams Charania, the Lakers are reportedly seeking a coach who will “command the locker room” and “hold players accountable” in Los Angeles.
They will also want a coach who can “tirelessly gameplan” will providing “a level of structure and organization” for the franchise. One of the early leading candidates is reportedly former NBA player JJ Redick, who currently hosts a basketball podcast with LeBron James.
RELATED: 5 candidates to coach the Lakers next season (including JJ Redick!) after firing Darvin Ham
But what is particularly interesting is who else is involved in the hiring process (via The Athletic):
“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.”
This is a fascinating meeting of the minds in a crossover episode involving two of the most notable basketball programs ever. But let’s peel this onion back a layer.
If the Lakers are considering Redick, there are few individuals who can speak to his character more than Coach K. He coached Redick while the sharpshooter was at Duke from 2002 until 2006.
Interesting initial trio of candidates, as well as Coach K’s involvement. I think we know where this is heading…
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) May 14, 2024
Even though Krzyzewski reportedly has connections to “Redick and others” that the Lakers are considering as a replacement for Ham, his connection to Redick is the most meaningful.
Other leading candidates for the job so far, per the most recent reporting, are currently James Borrego and Sam Cassell. Neither attended Duke and neither have coached alongside him or played for him on Team USA.
Perhaps there are other candidates with connections to Coach K that we’ve not heard of yet. But for now, if the finalists are Borrego and Casell as well as Redick, the smart money is on the one that played for Krzyzewski.
