After three interviews, the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a four-year, $17 million deal with Byron Scott. The fourth year of Scott’s contract contains a team option, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
Scott finally receives the job he has always hoped to have. He was a former player of the Lakers (1983-1993, 1996-97). Scott coached the then-New Jersey Nets to the finals two straight years during 2002 and 2003. He also spent five years as the head coach of the then-New Orleans Hornets.
Scott was most recently a coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He coached the team for three years, failing to make the playoffs each year. He was relieved from his coaching position in 2013, where he became close to the Lakers organization once again as an analyst for Time Warner Sports Net.
Ex-Laker coach Mike D’Antoni resigned from his duties on April 30. The Lakers have been searching for a new coach since. They had Lionel Hollins, Kurt Rambis, Byron Scott, Mike Dunleavy Sr., and Derek Fisher on their list, until most of them were hired elsewhere.
Byron Scott has been a heavy favorite for Los Angeles for quite some time. However, the Lakers were reportedly waiting to shape up their roster before hiring a coach.
Byron Scott has a 416-521 win-loss record in his 13-year coaching career. He plans to preach defense to his new team and wants Kobe Bryant to alter his game. Kobe and Byron Scott do have a good relationship, which has played a factor through this entire process.
As for the Lakers, they were 14th in the Western Conference last season with a record of 27-55. Scott is determined to turn that around, but it will be a difficult task.