Did JJ Redick’s chances at Lakers job just get boost from ‘respected unofficial resource’?

The Los Angeles Lakers are apparently pulling out all the stops in their search for their next head coach. With Anthony Davis’ future in mind – not to mention that of LeBron James – LA is interviewing a laundry list of candidates this week, including current ESPN analyst JJ Redick.

The team has reportedly narrowed its list to three top targets: Redick, former Charlotte Hornets Head Coach and New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego and long-time NBA veteran and assistant coach Sam Cassell, who’s currently a member of Joe Mazzulla’s staff with the Boston Celtics.

General Manager Rob Pelinka and Team Owner Jeanie Buss are leading the search, surely with input from LeBron and perhaps especially Davis. There’s another name in the mix now, though, who will bring decades of unique experience to the table and be influential in Los Angeles’s eventual choice.

It just so happens that he’s also been close to Redick since the now-analyst starred at Duke and could be giving the 15-year NBA veteran a leg up in the process.

JJ Redick’s college coach Mike Krzyzewski assisting in Lakers’ coaching search

Redick had an unforgettable career with the Blue Devils before he ever stepped foot on an NBA floor and Krzyzewski was instrumental in that. Now, per Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic, he’ll also have a hand in selecting LA’s next head coach:

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.

Coach K also has a long history with James dating back to the former’s time as the Head Coach of the US Men’s Basketball team. LeBron claims he would have attended Duke to play for Krzyzewski if he hadn’t skipped college and gone straight to the NBA.

It’s fair to wonder if the Hall of Fame coach is putting in a good word for his former player as the connections between James, Redick and the Lakers continue to mount.

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