Report: Lakers Interview Byron Scott For Head Coach Spot
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Lakers are continuing the search for their third head coach in three years.
The team has interviewed 13-year coaching veteran Byron Scott, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
Scott most recently coached the Cleveland Cavaliers between 2010 to 2013, leading the team to a 64-166.
General Manager Mitch Kupchak spoke via conference call about the interview process on Wednesday, via USA Today:
"I'm sure (coaching candidate) names will come out within the next couple of days, but we have started our process and we intend to continue the process in terms of talking to potential coaches, whether they're informal or formal interviews. I would not anticipate hiring a coach in the next two to three weeks, but we'll interview several, more than three or four, probably. Yes, we have begun... I have to say we're learning toward the type of the coach we would want (and) I would say there would be experience involved, certainly on some level, but not necessarily. There's no urgency right now, so it will be a more deliberate process."
It is not yet clear what Kupchak's words may mean for current NBA veteran and former Laker favorite Derek Fisher, who is currently playing post-season basketball for the Oklahoma City Thunder against the San Antonio Spurs, and who is rumored to be the favorite to land the head coaching spot for the New York Knicks.
Through his 13 years coaching in the NBA, on the other hand, Scott has earned a 416-521 record, also taking the helm of the New Jersey Nets (2000-'04), and the New Orleans Hornets (2004-'10), winning the NBA's Coach of the Year award in 2007-08.
Mike D'Antoni will not be returning to the Lakers, following a devastating 27-55 season, and the team, while in an attractive big market, may time multiple seasons before reaching the playoffs once again.
