Mike Krzyzewski and LeBron James had to work on their relationship ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Ian O'Connor provided a breakdown of the Duke coach's transition to international basketball in a Sports Illustrated excerpt for his book Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski.

Krzyzewski was brought to Team USA to turn things around after a disappointing bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics, but he didn't do any better in his first opportunity as the Americans lost to Greece in the 2006 FIBA World Championship. LeBron was on both teams and was seemingly unsure of the team's direction.

Former Duke player Shane Battier said he was "absolutely sure NBA players were skeptical of Coach K, especially the guys who didn't play in college."

James skipped college and was five years into his professional career in the summer of 2008, coming off his second first-team All-NBA selection. He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals one year earlier.