Lakers News: Head Coach Byron Scott Expected To Be Fired
The Los Angeles Lakers have fired head coach Byron Scott after two dismal seasons, according to multiple reports. Scott was informed of the decision on Sunday night at the team's training facility in El Segundo, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times.
The decision to fire Scott is a bit of reversal from the Lakers' previous stance. In an interview in mid April, General Manager Mitch Kupchak said "Scott did an excellent job under the circumstances around the team." Scott had said he anticipated returning to the team.
The Lakers are coming off a 17-65 season, their worst record in franchise history, after finishing with a 21-61 record in 2014-2015. Scott had inherited a team that finished with a 27-55 record under Mike D'Antoni.
In what can mainly be described as a rebuilding year, Scott gave a large portion of minutes to young players Jordan Clarkson, D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle, while the attention centered on Kobe Bryant's final NBA season. Bryant, who played in 66 games, shot a career low 35.8 percent from the field.
The Lakers finished with the league's worst scoring average (97.3), worst field-goal percentage (41.4), and the 29th worst opposing field-goal percentage (47.3). Los Angeles also finished No. 21 in rebounds per game (43.0) and No. 24 in blocks (4.1).
<div class="ftb-widget" data-width="600" data-height="520" data-widget-id="2RiNf9gyQdv" data-href="" ></div><script async src="https://s.graphiq.com/rx/widgets.js"></script><div style="text-align:center">Data curated by <a href='http://www.pointafter.com' target='_blank'>PointAfter</a></div>
The additions of veterans Lou Williams, Brandon Bass, Roy Hibbert and Metta World Peace did little to boost the club's standing, as Scott often was left to look towards the future by turning to rookies Larry Nance Jr. and Anthony Brown.
Scott, 55, played 11 seasons with the Lakers. The former shooting guard won three championships with the "Showtime" team that featured Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy under head coach Pat Riley. He finished his career with the Lakers in the 1996-1997 season.
Luke Walton, an assistant coach on the Golden State Warriors, is considered a top candidate for the job. Walton, 36, played with the Lakers from 2003 to 2012.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.