Lakers News and Rumors: Byron Scott Named New LA Lakers Coach, Aims to Make Team NBA Title Contender
Byron Scott will become the next Los Angeles Lakers head coach after reportedly agreeing to terms to fill the coaching vacancy on Sunday.
The Lakers have yet to announce Scott's hiring, but the veteran coach has already confirmed the development, with reports indicating that he agreed to a four-year, $17 million deal.
"I'm a little tired tonight, but I'm extremely excited about the job, extremely excited about the opportunity to bring the purple and gold back up to championship-caliber basketball," Scott said via ESPN Los Angeles.
The 53-year-old coach, who is coming off tumultuous three-year coaching stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, said that he is looking forward to helping that Lakers bounce back from a disastrous season where they finish with a 27-55 NBA record that landed them out of playoff contention.
Scott, who won three NBA titles with the Lakers in the 1980s, expressed confidence that they can come back stronger next season, and the new Lakers coach is pinning his hopes on veterans Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash.
"You always need one of those type guys," Scott said of Bryant and Nash. "In this situation, where it's just Kobe -- who really understands what it means to be a Laker -- and myself, who understands what it means to be a Laker -- you've got two guys coming from two different perspectives, but delivering the same message. That's important."
Scott, who also had coaching stints with the then-New Jersey Nets and the New Orleans Hornets, edged out five other candidates in Mike Dunleavy, Kurt Rambis, Alvin Gentry, George Karl and Lionel Hollins.
With the hiring, Scott became the seventh former Laker to coach the team. Scott has been the frontrunner since the Lakers started their coaching search after former coach Mike D'Antoni announced his resignation.
The Lakers' front office were reportedly impressed with Scott's vision for the team, especially after the third interview where Scott presented his plan following the roster moves the team made over the past several weeks.
Scott knows that it could take some time before the Lakers become a serious NBA title contender again, but the Ogden, Utah, native is confident that general manager Mitch Kupchak, Jeanie Buss and Jim Buss will make the necessary moves to make it happen.
"I sat down with them a number of times and heard their plan and I loved it," Scott said. "They know what they're doing, we're going to head in the right direction. All I have do is go out there and make sure these guys are held accountable and doing what they're supposed to do. If they do that, we'll give ourselves a chance."
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