Coach K is highly respected but lacks NBA experience

The Lakers said in a statement that general manager Mitch Kupchak had "contacted and had discussions" with Krzyzewski about the position but declined to provide further details.

Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina, also confirmed talks had taken place with its college basketball coach, popularly known as "Coach K".

"Coach K has informed us the Lakers have contacted him and entered into serious discussions to fill their vacant head coach position," said Duke University's director of athletics Joe Alleva.

Krzyzewski has led the Blue Devils to three national championships in his 24-year tenure. They were eliminated by Georgia Tech in this year's semi-finals.

Phil Jackson, who won three championships with Los Angeles and six with the Chicago Bulls, stepped down as head coach of the Lakers last month.

The team suffered a shock defeat by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA finals.