ESPN Radio just reported that the Lakers are in "serious discussions" with Coach K. Apparently Duke is about to have a news conference, as well....
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/7465406 Lakers in 'serious discussions' with Duke's Krzyzewski July 1, 2004 SportsLine.com wire reports RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Los Angeles Lakers are in "serious discussions" with Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski about their coaching vacancy. Krzyzewski, a Hall of Fame coach, has led the Blue Devils to three national championships in almost a quarter-century at the school. He informed school officials that the Lakers had contacted him about the job, Duke athletic director Joe Alleva said Thursday. Krzyzewski was not available for comment, the school said. A message left with Lakers spokesman John Black was not immediately returned. Alleva said he and Duke president Richard Brodhead recently had dinner with Krzyzewski and told the coach they wanted him to finish his career at Duke. "We have long believed that Mike is the best coach in the country," Alleva said in the statement. "The Lakers' interest in him merely confirms what we have known." Krzyzewski has compiled a 621-179 record in 24 seasons at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to NCAA championships in 1991, 1992 and 2001. Under Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils have 10 Final Four appearances, eight Atlantic Coast Conference tournament championships and 10 conference regular-season titles. His Duke teams have been ranked No. 1 in 12 different seasons, including each of the last seven years. AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service
This is just crazy. Rudy, Riley and now coach K? Who's next? Chuck Daly? John Wooden? Hubbie Brown? ...oh, wait...
So Rudy's is not in LA picking out his assistants? Maybe, Rudy walked when it was apparent that Shaq would not play for the Lakers next year no matter what.
I could not be more happy that Rudy won't be taking the coaching job in LA. I'm looking forward to having a third team to root for, after the Rockets and, recently, the Magic. Keep Rudy out of LA.
Jim Gray reporting on ESPN that the Lakers have the offer on the table. I believe both Kobe and Shaq would leave instead of having a fresh-outta-college guy coach them.
I would have to think if Coach K was offered the job that the Lakers would have Kobe's blessing. Again that' sjust my opinion I have no idea if it is true, but just can't imagine teh Lakers not consulting with the guy they want to build their franchise around.
like i said earlier, i pray to God that Coach K doesnt go to lala land. Duke would never be the same. what about Camp K? it just wouldnt be right, especially since its the lakers here's to hoping he stays at Duke.
Kobe is friends with Coach K. Would have went to Duke if he didn't go straight to the league. Kobe definitely would be all aboard with Coach K.
Jim Rome was saying on his show that Coach K was saying that the NBA was ruining the College Game but I never heard his actual tirade on the subject. Did anyone here what he had to say? On a side note, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting NBA off seasons in recent memory. The Rockets and the Magic, the Lakers, maybe Dallas, are all making significant changes and it is just getting started.
I believe that Kobe was going to Duke to play for Coach K before he decided to turn pro. Same deal as that Shaun Llivingston kid from Illinois who went to the Clippers (?), I think.
I like coach K and wouldn't want him coaching the lakers but...if he does...i hope he'll have some kind of success...unlike his fellow college-to-pros coach colleagues
If K is smart he will use this to squeeze more money out of Duke. He would be crazy to go to LA. Pro players control (Kobe) everything, don't listen or don't like to be coached. LA is falling apart. He loves College BB. There would be a high probablility of failure. The money is the only positive I can see.
Keep in mind, Kobe controls the Lakers now. Anything the Lakers do from here on out is with Kobe's FULL blessing.
