When making a list of the most iconic coaches in the history of college basketball, legendary Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, affectionately known as Coach K, will always be one of the first names mentioned.
While many college coaches took the leap and tried their hand in the NBA, Krzyzewski never did, though teams did come calling, including the Los Angeles Lakers. Following the 2004 season, the team was in need of a replacement for the legendary Phil Jackson.
And Shaquille O’Neal being traded away, the Lakers were officially Kobe Bryant’s team. The coach he preferred more than any was Krzyzewski and the Lakers did offer him the job, but he declined.