The L.A. Lakers appear to be leaning toward Byron Scott as the franchise's next head coach, granting him a second interview earlier this week.
According to ESPN, team officials spoke with the 53-year-old Scott again this week in a meeting that also included vice president of player personnel Jim Buss, and general manager Mitch Kupchak. Scott is thought to be the only candidate to have meet with team officials more than once.
Scott previously played 10 seasons with the Lakers, starring on the three NBA title-winning teams, including back-to-back seasons starting in 1987. Scott was still with the team during Kobe Bryant's rookie season in 1996-97 and reportedly has spoken with the Lakers star several times since first interviewing with the team.
In addition, Scott has also coached 13 NBA seasons, leading the New Jersey Nets to the NBA Finals in back-to-back seasons starting in 2001. Overall, Scott's teams have won at least 49 games on four different occasions, with his best season coming with New Orleans in 2006 when they won 56 games. Scott boasts an overall record of 416-521.
Lionel Hollins interviews with Lakers
The Lakers are also known to have interviewed Lionel Hollins, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Kurt Rambis. The team parted ways with Mike D'Antoni soon after the season after the team missed the playoffs and finished the season at 27-55,, the franchise's worst record in history. Over the course of the season, D"Antoni openly clashed with players over run-and-gun style and inconsistent player rotations.
Over his playing career, Scott averaged 14 points and three assists.
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