Frank LorenzoThe Los Angeles Lakers are seeking for a new direction after two dreadful years under coach Mike D’Antoni, and they announced they hired Byron Scott to be their Head Coach for their next four years.
The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking for a new direction after two dreadful years under coach Mike D’Antoni, and they announced they hired Byron Scott to be their Head Coach for their next four years.
Scott’s contract with the Lakers is for $17 million deal with an option to have one more year.
“It feels fantastic,” Byron Scott told KCBS-TV this Saturday. “This is a dream come true. I always wanted to coach the Lakers, especially when I got to coaching. It’s so unreal. I have to thank [general manager] Mitch [Kupchak]; Jeanie and Jim Buss to give me this opportunity.”
The Lakers had been in a three-month coaching search and decided for Byron Scott because he’s a disciplinarian that will get the franchise back in order. Los Angeles also interviewed Mike Dunleavy, Kurt Rambis, Alvin Gentry, Lionel Hollins and ESPN NBA analyst George Karl.
Kobe Bryant, the Lakers Superstar, actually played with Scott on his rookie year in 1996 and said he loves the decision.
“He was my rookie mentor when I first came into the league,” Bryant said. “So I had to do things like get his doughnuts and run errands for him and things like that. We’ve had a tremendously close relationship throughout the years. So, obviously, I know him extremely well. He knows me extremely well. I’ve always been a fan of his.”
The Lakers are listed 25/1 to win the Western Conference title next season and 40/1 to win the NBA championship, according to the NBA future betting odds.
