Mike Krzyzewski confirms he was part of Lakers coaching search, thinks JJ Redick will be ‘terrific’

The Lakers turned to a familiar name in Mike Krzyzewski as part of their coaching search that eventually landed them his former player in JJ Redick.

The Lakers very long coaching search was not one that had many reports or rumors around it. While there was a very notable Dan Hurley saga, that served more as the exception than the rule.

One of the only other interesting reports that came about during the search was that former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski was part of the search. While it never felt like he was ever used in any sort of official capacity, it was still a surprise he was reported to be involved.

The connections made sense as Kryzyewski is about as respected as they come in the coaching circles and was chased by the Lakers some 20 years ago. They also made a lot more sense, even if through confirmation bias, when the team hired JJ Redick for the job.

If there was any lingering doubt that he was involved, though, Coach K himself wiped that away in an interview this summer with Jim Rome. During it, he talked about being something of a consultant with the team during the search while also sharing his thoughts on how Redick will do in the position.

I wouldn’t expect Coach K to say much else when it comes to Redick, to be honest. Him having belief in a former player is the least shocking thing imaginable.

It certainly feels more noteworthy that he confirmed he was part of the search process. Outside of Redick, Coach K is going to have valuable connections across multiple levels. When it comes to Hurley, for example, he is going to have some insight there as well.

We don’t know the degree to which the Lakers consulted him. Perhaps it was nothing more than asking him about Redick, but it’s still good insight to have at your disposal.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.