We have written about the Lakers deliberating on Byron Scott’s future as head coach, but a decision has been made. Scott will not return to coach the Lakers for a third season. Per the team’s press release:
“We would like to thank Byron for his hard work, dedication and loyalty over the last two years, but have decided it is in the best interest of the organization to make a change at this time,” said General Manager Mitch Kupchak.
Unbeknownst to me (and many others, I’m assuming), the Lakers held team options on both the third and fourth years of Scott’s contract. This decision then, was made even easier since the team was not eating any salary and could start new next season with a choice to usher in a new era of Lakers’ basketball.
Per Mike Bresnahan of the LA Times, the Lakers will have a long list of candidates for their opening. The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports the list will include Warriors’ assistant Luke Walton, Spurs’ assistant Ettore Messina, current ESPN analyst and former Knicks/Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy, and current UCONN head coach Kevin Ollie. That’s already a wide net of candidates, but I’m sure we’ll hear even more names over the coming days and weeks.
As for Scott, there’s little to be said about his tenure and the reasons for why he was let go that have not already been repeated ad nauseam. There’s no reason to go over those things again with great detail, we know what happened and how things played out. However, when he was hired, I concluded my thoughts about his hiring with these words:
What Byron will control, though, are the lineups, offensive and defensive schemes, minute allocations, and the functioning of the locker room. It will be on him to decide how much or little Kobe Bryant plays, how much veterans should get time over younger players, and how to best develop the talent he has at his disposal. It will be on him to navigate expectations and balance short term success with long term goals and the overall health of the franchise moving forward. He will be that steward who has been given the keys at a time that, for all intents and purposes, may be one of the more important in recent franchise history.
This Lakers’ team is squarely at the stage where they are clearly not a contender for a championship but still trying to win games and do so while looking for cornerstone young players who can carry the torch after Kobe Bryant retires. That is one of the finest lines to walk as an organization and, more often than not, ends up being impossible. Whether he is up to the task of being the guy who steers the ship during this time remains to be seen, but I think it’s more than fair to question if he is.
His history as a coach makes this so. Even if his history as a Laker makes some fans want to overlook it.
Of all the issues I had with Scott, these areas were where I think he had his most issues. This past season, I never got the sense he was willing to do much of anything besides defer to Kobe’s final season as the most important part of his job. Yes, he paid lip service to winning games and noted how even that took a priority over developing the young players, but in reality his priority was in trying to ensure Kobe had a proper sendoff.
I will not deny that aspect of Scott’s job was important. But the growth of the young players and trying to put them in positions to succeed and on the path to becoming the franchise’s next great players was the biggest part of his job. And instead of nurturing their growth by trying to build them up, he consistently undercut them to the press and treated them as though the things they did not know mattered more than what he could do help them better the things they did. By putting their faults at the forefront in his daily musings to the media, he seemed to emphasize all the things they weren’t rather than building on all the things they already are.
I’m sure losing his biggest locker room ally in Kobe hurt, but I’d imagine it was due to that failing which hurt him most. So, in that way, Scott’s ousting was more his own doing than, I’d imagine, even his losing record and antiquated schemes were. The ground was just too shaky to build for the future with Scott at the helm.
So now the Lakers will look to establish a new foundation with a different coach at the helm. Here’s hoping the next choice turns out better than the previous.
KO says
I did disclose those options several months ago.
Thanks
bluehill says
Smart move by ownership/FO to structure Byron’s contract to coincide with the end of Kobe’s contract. Let the rebuild begin!
TempleOfJamesWorthy says
I’m glad the Lakers made the decision to let Byron Scott go.
While I don’t think B-Scott was as out-of-touch as some of his critics painted him to be (for example, I think his notorious quote about 3-pointers not winning championships was PR spin to avoid admitting his roster lacked shooters), I don’t think he had the full trust of his players. Without the players’ full trust, no coach can succeed. Even the great Phil Jackson floundered in the 2010-2011 season when his players strated tuning him out. Retaining Scott would have sent the wrong message about the organization’s committment to rebuilding a winning culture.
Perhaps the situation was not entirely fair to Scott, given the multiple directives of developing young players, tanking for draft picks, and placating Kobe. But he got paid over $8 million to be a placeholder, and he’ll probably find work in the NBA again if he wants it (probably not as a head coach).
Let the real rebuilding begin.
phred says
Well said.
Darius Soriano says
Yes, KO. Yes you did.
A Horse with no name says
KO: Do you want a cookie?
Lois says
His way of coaching is obsolete!
Lakafan says
Ko has connections people, listen to the man. Anyways Bresnahan just mentioned Mark the preacher Jackson as a possible candidate. Hope he isn’t the one! Luke should be first choice followed by Kevin Ollie since he has the Durant connection. Then maybe Messina and jay wright. That’s it!
Chibi says
The next head coach of la lakers will be…Željko Obradovic.
KO says
Yes horse yes.
Oatmeal please.
Not taking credit it was info I was told by someone involved. Just made it more plausible the change was eminent.
I feel its now going to be about winning not using the Kobe tour to sell tickets. I believe we will see a vast improvement as owners realize losing will no longer be acceptable. Start winning or fans will not fill the house.
Looking forward to positive coming.
harold says
Good riddance, though if we get to keep our pick, he ends up having done an admirable job of giving Kobe the proper send-off and tanking while priming the young ones so that they are hungry to prove themselves in the coming season.
Wishful thinking.
As for the new coach, I wish we could get one that has a clear plan and hopefully one that works.
Jason says
HALLELUJAH!!!
Jason says
Can I get an AMEN!?
J C says
Prayers answered.
Faith restored.
Thank goodness.
Darius’ and Ko’s coach options all excellent.
JVG, Ollie, Messina & of course Luuuuuke.
I’d be very happy with any of these.
On his way out, I wonder – was Byron actually surprised?
Third year a team option – pretty shrewd, Mitch.
I wonder if Jeannie’s public support of Byron was just team spin – for Byron to at least feel he still had some love in Lakerland.
Re Phil, if he does come later at least we now know it won’t be as coach.
karen says
Scott should have been let down a little easier, like a job in the organization. He did tank well but i thought he sealed his fate with his remarks on exit reviews to publicly say to a player if you don’t Learn and play defense next yr you won’t be playing. Duh if you didn’t learn and play defense all season who’s fault is that. You were the coach with a staff of coaches. the lakers used scott but he shot himself in the foot with his old obsolete old school ways.
Altemawa says
this is indeed a very good start.
we need to change Coach so he can visualize what kind of players he has, and what he needs to add for the the coming years so we can compete on a higher level.
i am wishing the best for coach B. Scott on his next assignment. i know he’ll be called by some teams. he was part of the last years of Kobe, and was teammate of Kobs on his rookie year. he somewhat made this season memorable in a lot of sense.
Anonymous says
Scott tends to do well with players that are determined and mentally mature. The players needed a bit of toughening up and I think BS did that really well. Are we forgetting that we are the mighty Lakers? You have to be ready and willing: if not, you deserved to be publicly criticised.
Even when we had the great Shaquille O’Neal, he was criticised; Kobe, too.
BS did exactly what was needed for the young players: make them realise that a sub par attitude and performance is not tolerated.
It is a good time for him to go; however, let’s look at the words of CP3:
“Coach was more than a coach to me. He was a mentor, someone who has made me the player I am today.”
Warren Wee Lim says
Its a good day. I should post more nowadays.
This is a very good development. For me, it shows Mitch and Jim are in control and not Jeannie. For the sake of order (since Jeannie said he would leave the basketball decisions to Jim and Mitch).
Secondly, for the sake of basketball. As inept as you think Jim Buss is, maligned and murdered by media even, Jim doesn’t care. He doesn’t talk too much to add kerosene to the fire. He just works, tries to find his luck. After all, if you’re going to credit him (and Mitch) for the terrible seasons we’ve had as of late, he’s also creditable to the CP3 deal. Although Stern had something to say about that.
Another angle I wish to tackle is that I don’t like Phil back. He could do something else or retire or stay in NY… I still have more faith in J+M to get things done than J+P.
Another positive is that we can now hire a long-term coach. Emphasis on long-term. For the last few seasons, we’ve hired the Mikes and Byron with apprehension, placing team options on the contracts as if we knew its going to fail. This time, we can finally commit. We can finally marry ourselves to a coach and his principles.
Luke Walton, he’s my top choice. He brings freshness, a bit of swagger, modernity and renewed hope. He also comes from the glory days of Kobe, a time that most of these kids nowadays have witnessed. While Scott was part of the Showtime core, kids born in the 90’s really don’t know how Showtime worked. And in today’s light-speed pace of media, not many know of the real engineer behind Showtime. What the youngsters know and recognize, more or less starts with the Lakers 3-peat in 00, 01 and 02.
So Luke does that. Besides, it might be wise to allow the Warriors’, Cavs’ and Spurs’ dominance to pass by before we make the big moves. Its going to take more than 1-2 season to build a core, so far we’ve had two in the books and it was w/ the Kobe dilemma. Now, we can proceed with freedom and hope. We can finally build this thing the right way.
Mark Jackson has been noted to be quite infamous for some issues. Religion, authoritarianism, etc… but he talks the talk and walks the walk. Before the Warriors were THE Warriors, there was Mark Jackson who brought the team to the 2nd round and infused defense on his talented kids. As good as this core is, without him it wouldn’t be the championship-material that Kerr guided through a championship. I’ve been wanting this guy for awhile now, but the Lakers might be better off finding a fresher name/face and one that can relate to our youth movement. He would be a solid choice for accountability, defense and discipline.
My close top choice even before the Byron hire was Jeff Van Gundy. Even though he last coached a broken Tmac and Yao (that’s how long its been), we see him everyday in broadcast that he is updated enough with what’s going on. He teaches D, perhaps we should have a better assistant for the offense, whatever works… I like JVG since his Knick days.
Outside those three, I’m not sure. Heard of mention the names Calipari and Ollie, not sure that’s the path you want to go. We’ll see in the coming days.
Thanks J+M.
Joel says
“Scott tends to do well with players that are determined and mentally mature.”
As do all coaches. That isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement.
RS says
Question : Once Jerry Sloan was let go in Utah, didnt see his name surface for any coaching candidatures. Why, ? Did he make it clear he is not coming back to coach ? Couldnt the FO at least send out some feelers ?
IMO – he was a great coach and would be a great fit for this group. He was great with point guards. Taught defense, was no slouch on offense either. He may have been old school – but didnt seem to be rigid (his success over many years proves that he would be able to adapt to personnel and times). There is some merit to “old school” – there are some things that dont change. There are some things that MUST change and one has to be open enough to identify them. I think Greg Popovich and Jerry Sloan should be mentioned in the same breath if that is the criteria.
Again – any ideas Why we cant get him ?
karen says
Are you talking jerry sloan?? He has parkinson and beginning dementia
BigCitySid says
– “The once-glamorous franchise has been incredibly unsuccessful in attracting or keeping marquee free agents over the past four seasons. The team even lost Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol to other teams for relatively modest contracts. But the departures of Bryant and Scott combined with the installation of a credible head coach could prove more enticing to stars interested in the added benefits of playing in the Hollywood spotlight.”
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15317976/los-angeles-lakers-byron-scott-another-franchise-worst
-Scott was only hired for one reason, he was the only coach interviewed who agreed to “let Kobe be Kobe”. Now that Kobe is gone, there is no need for his caretaker.
Fern says
It is possible that Luke will be available sooner than expected. I doubt the Dubs can get pass the Clippers in the 2nd round if that’s is who end up playing. Tough tough break for the Warriors, not that i have any simpathy, and i wish they get bounced for entirely selfish reasons. Luke should be the obvious choice. Lakers past? check, connection to Phil? check, deep ties with the Lakers check. About Byron, part of me is sad to see him go, i was behind his signing but obviously i was way off. He shares a lot of blame and he didn’t assemble these rosters but he is just a bad coach about his critizising DAR in the press? He needs to grow up We don’t see what happens behind close doors and maybe BS tried to reach him, fell in deaf ears and then went to the press like i said before they are not babies, if a player’s skin is too thin well that’s too bad. PJ called players out in the press all the time and nobody gave hik any grief. Loved him as a player and will always be a Laker. Just not in the sidelines. im actually feeling exited again.
Tra says
With Kobe retiring and now with Scott being fired, the rebuild, as TOJW stated, definitely begins. As been mentioned, ad nuseum within our FB&G Community, there was no justification for keeping Scott. The players – particularly the young players – were not in tune with him and he presided over the 2 worst seasons, record wise, in Lakers history. Now with it coming to light that there were stipulations in his contract that easily allowed the organization to terminate him after his second year, even he had to know – regardless of his posturing to the media – that his time as Head Coach was up. My only question is whether Jeannie was on board with the firing.
Rumors are circulating that the FO has to know that they have an excellent chance of bringing Luke over from G.S. I sincerely hope that these rumors turn into reality. As a player, it was easy to see that Luke had a high basketball IQ. His understanding of the game comes from the early teachings of his father, who was taught under, arguably, the greatest college coach of all time in John Wooden. So there is that extension. Further knowledge from Phil Jackson and Steve Kerr – who, coincidentally, played under not only Phil, but Greg Popovich – only adds to his credentials IMHO. Him being young and not too far removed from the game can’t hurt either. He’ll be able to relate to our young core – especially if we maintain our pick this year – and vice versa, which will allow him to simultaneously grow with them. He’s also been a champion as both player and coach (albeit, as an AC) on an NBA level.
The FO, IMO, has blown it in regards to the last 3 coaching selections. Hopefully, they won’t blow it this time. I would like to see Luke patrolling the sidelines for us next year.
chris says
Top choices:
Luke Walton:
would have instant credibility with the players and front office, understands the championship culture and will get respect right away, and is young enough to bond with the players and knows what they will need. It was an accident that team took off with him as coach, one of the most underrated aspects of coaching is making your players feel comfortable and that you care about their growth and are looking to set them up to succeed, the management of personalities is something I think Luke picked a lot up from Phil. I don’t feel the players felt Scott cared to do anything but criticize them. Maybe that’s what the front office wanted.
2. Kevin Ollie
For a lot of the same reasons as Luke, and it would be healthy to have a young coach try to grow with a young group. He would know better how to develop and use the younger players.
3. Brian Shaw
He has been a laker, Has gained more experience working with younger players and different systems the last few years. He would have the support of the fan base and his personality isn’t overwhelming so he could focus more on the team, instead of a D’antoni for example. I feel that he would be a very grounding presence for the young players as well.
4. Mark Jackson
I don’t think he is necessarily happy for Golden State after the success they’ve had without him and to be honest I feel he has had a lot to do with their success so he’s probably itching for an opportunity to build something again. Or maybe not, but like Brian Shaw I really enjoy Mark Jackson’s presence.
5. Messina/Jeff Van Gundy
Messina would be an interesting choice I just don’t know if the Laker stage is where he should make his debut in the nba, but then again it could be huge and this is a young team, so it might be the perfect opportunity to try. Jeff Van Gundy has been watching basketball for a while now, he’s gotten weekend looks at everyone haha so I feel like he would be a very stable healthy choice if the younger guys aren’t available, plus his personality would be fine in LA and he has respect around the league.
Vasheed says
A surprisingly well structured contract. At least we now know what the June 1st deadline meant. I would like to see a coaching hire earlier than later. The Lakers didn’t do themselves a favor by having to start filling out a roster before they hired Scott.
Fern says
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-scott-plaschke-20160425-column,amp.html
George Best says
The only choice that makes sense is Luke Walton although he isnt qualified from an experience position. He will be like a big brother and will help reestablish a brand that has taken some hits the past 5 years. His hiring might get a FA we might not otherwise get and accellerate the rebuild.
Id prefer this approach over a recycled ex coach like JVG, the unknown hot assistant from San Antonio, or the hot college coach who either isnt a fit like Ollie or coming off a freak national championship like Wright.
The real question is does anyone think that Luke would turn the job down? How could he. Kerr isnt going anywhere and I wouldnt wait and learn under him when I can be head coach of The Lakers now.
They will make a deal with Luke after the Houston series is over and announce him after GS is eliminated or wins the championship.
We need to get a top two draft pick. Getting the third pick is worst case scenario as we would be better off giving it up now if we cant get top two.
Mo says
Onto the next coach who will last two years. The natural internal development of these players will result in an improvement in the regular season regardless of who the next coach is.
bleedpurplegold says
I can see mark jackson as a perfect fit for this job…there are some similarities between our roster and what he developed in gs….
Three point shooting point who can pull up off the dribble, versitile 4 with ball handling skills, scoring 2 guard….
If we cant get luke, he would be my choice
Fulofunk says
JC
Your last sentence …….drum roll with a bass kick and cymbal crash.
bluehill says
How important is pedigree? I’m sure it is beneficial to some extent, but we’ve had Brown who worked for Pop and Byron who was obviously from the organization. Phil’s assistants have not done well on their own.
I ask this because Luke seems to be the clear frontrunner in terms of fan preference. I understand the appeal, but he hasn’t been a coach for that long and how applicable is the experience of leading a team that just won the championship vs leading the team with the second worst record in basketball. I don’t know enough about Luke to say that he can’t be successful, but the sample size seems to be pretty small. Tyronn Lue has more head coaching experience than Luke. Why isn’t he on the list?
In terms of the criteria the FO is using, I hope fan preference is low on the list. We’re in rebuild mode anyways so pick someone that is right for this situation. The choices shouldn’t be limited just to whoever fans happen to remember. Who’s the next Brad Stevens? Who is the next Mike Budenholzer? Fans may not like a relative unknown, but winning will change that opinion pretty quickly.
matt says
This is good news
Anonymous says
are we sure this is the last time we are going to hear – now the rebuild can begin ?????
matt says
Interesting fact that the lakers team option on byron was unknown.
Rebulid is the only thing that is happening, dummy.
Shaun says
Sloan is dealing with old age and creeping demenita – would not be a candidate
Adelaman is 69 – too old now
JVG – I dont think this would be a good choice – JVG does focus on defense but has not been coaching in the league for like 10+ years … too out of sync with the grind
Mark Jackson – No laker connection, preachy tone in LA might not be a fit
Luke – played in LA, won championships as player and Assistant Coach, tie in to phil, might help in snagging harrison barnes or elezi if we go after them in FA
Hornecek – could be good – did a great job in phoenix until their FA poured gasoline all over their chemistry with too many moves
I wonder if we will look more for a storied coach but I don’t really see any left in the league at this point
Todd says
It was a move that had to be made on many levels:
1) Byron was ineffective, which is usually reason enough for letting a coach go.
2) Keeping him would have intensified the narrative that there is discord in the FO (which, of course, there is).
3) The other conversation about the Lakers was that they were like visiting your grandmother’s house — where everything felt like it was stuck in the past. With Kobe retiring, a great coach could have linked past glory to future hope. However, Byron is not a great coach. Better to simply close the book on this chapter of the Lakers and firmly move forward.
I would hope that the Lakers have a an idea which direction they want to go. This rebuild is just starting and won’t be completed for a few years. Additionally, the Lakers at some point will need to recruit free agents so a coach that adds to the organization’s value proposition would be important.
My preference would be Luke. He has Lakers ties, is young enough to potentially have a long tenure and has been part of the Warriors inner circle — a team which has created a winning formula for this generation of the NBA.
Nik Kannan says
In order to assess the best possible coaching candidates – I just want to mention how much I like what Brad Stevens has done in Boston – even though the praise is begrudging towards those Celtics, them getting to 18 titles before we get to 17 is really the carrot and competition our FO should be aiming for.
With that being said – the Association is a league of have and have nots. It had previously been rare that a rookie coach, international or from the NCAA had true success. Great teams aren’t not being coached by Xs and Os like football, nor is strategy as intricate as in baseball – Great teams do what they do and execute so well that it shouldn’t matter how you game plan.
Phil was the best I’ve ever seen at training his players to be accountable for their actions on the floor – at time he was so frustrating when teams would pile it on and go on large runs – to just see him shrug his shoulders and not call time outs. But – this taught our guys to be prepared, to be accountable, to forge mental strength – really his 11 championships as a coach are phenomenal – assuming he can not be on the sidelines for us…
We need someone who is super chill under pressure and can get respect from players automatically – also be someone who can recruit top level free agents.
I like Luke – but am slightly worried he won’t be able to be “as good” of a coach as Stevens. Which is who I am comparing our hire to.
I think Jay Wright is a good selection and what he did at Nova was amazing, he has been there for a while – but don’t think he is the right guy for the Lakers.
Ollie – Has had some success in the NCAA, but like Luke I worry about his ability to succeed as a coach in the NBA.
All the other guys mentioned – Etor, Van Gundy, Mark Jackson – are mid-tier coaches who are not geared towards NBA Championships or long term developing a new Dynasty.
SOOOOO the only answer here, is the same answer from many years ago – COACH K!!!
Get it done Mitch – go get us Coach K, finally.
Anonymous says
I hope the Lakers didn’t make the right move simply because Scott’s contract gave them an easy out. Scott needed to go simply because he wasn’t doing a good job. This story line that the move was made because the Lakers could let Scott go and potentially save money on the process.
I say, pay Byron regardless the Lakers can afford it. Each party used each other in this situation.
LKK says
RS…..
Jerry Sloan retired voluntarily and as of late has had some health issues.
Anonymous says
Damning article about Byron and the Lakers:
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/04/25/lakers-byron-scott-fired-kobe-bryant-dangelo-russell-nick-young
matt says
Can someone explain why jeff van gundy is being metioned here…
T. Rogers says
“Once Jerry Sloan was let go in Utah, didnt see his name surface for any coaching candidatures. Why?”
—
I believe Sloan is battling some health health issues.
Hale says
RS: Jerry Sloan is 74 and suffering from Parkinson’s syndrome.
Ceartas says
@RS
Jerry Sloan has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy’s, a form of dementia. He’s stated publicly that his career is over.
Anonymous says
Nik: Coach K is 70 years old. I’m not sure that is a good fit.
david h says
Darius: so driving down Figueroa this morning while going to work, I saw no confetti; no team bus; no crowds lining the streets. But, as a once proud and bigger than life nba center once said: CAN YOU DIG IT?
Like you, let’s hope the next laker head coach does not get into laker nation’s head other than in a positive way. youth be served. we’ve tried everything else.
Go lakers.
Fern says
Im wondering the same thing Matt, Fish is interested on the job. UUHH NO…
bluehill says
Rumors are that there are 12 or so candidates. I wonder who the others are that haven’t been mentioned. I think those could be more interesting than the ones discussed so far because the FO should have better knowledge of other promising assistant coaches and college coaches than me.
Anonymous says
Interesting take by Kevin Ding:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2635499-la-lakers-brass-still-cant-see-obvious-path-forward-after-byron-scott-firing
Gary says
12 candidates — yikes. Is that mis-direction or does the FO not have an idea of what they need/want. I like the decision to let Scott go — but 12 candidates makes it feel like the FO is still floundering.
If you were going to use this as an opportunity to get free consulting insight/advice about how to move forward with the team then they should have canned Byron last week so they could have talked to Thibs — who has a pretty sharp defensive mind — an area of need.
Letting Scott go on a Sunday night made me feel that there was 1) a sense of urgency 2) a leading candidate had emerged. 12 candidates negates that thinking. This could take weeks to resolve. I was hoping that they had back channel discussions with Luke and they were ready to announce that he’d join the Lakers after the Warriors playoff run was complete.
bluehill says
Gary – rumors, so who knows how accurate they are. I’d imagine that ownership/FO has some preferences. You make a really good point about the timing. Then again the Lakers like drama, so Sunday night announcement shouldn’t be a surprise.
T. Rogers says
This was the move the Lakers needed to make. Now they need to choose wisely going forward. I personally like Walton and Ollie as I’m a fan of going young. The Lakers need a new culture. They have a young core. And they need a coach who can connect with them. Of course X’s and O’s are important. But connection is as well.
That’s why I’m skeptical about coaches like Jeff Van Gundy. He has a great basketball mind. But he’s been in the broadcast booth for years now. Can he really get through to a group of guys who are so young? Phil is too stuck on the Triangle. Plus, he brings too much baggage with his relationship with Jeanie. Fisher is a Laker blue blood. But I doubt he’ll get a coaching job any time soon based on how things went down in New York.
matt says
Whenever i hear j.van gundy, i think of his zombie looking stressed out days coaching the knicks, also related to that, we gotta question the logic of d.fish coaching the knicks with barely any coaching experience, set up to fail, what was he thinking. But money does the talking.
allaninla says
Nice article. It is just one word short of being complete.
The last line says,”Here’s hoping the next choice turns out better than the previous.”
It should really say,”Here’s hoping the next choice turns out better than the previous THREE.”
matt says
Again the firing of byron is such a relief for all us fans, God bless the guy.
Anonymous says
I’m just waiting for inevitable Robert post criticizing the decision to fire B Scott because, you know, he was once a great Laker and nothing else (even common sense) matters… plus advocating that anything short of a D Fish hire is crazy…..
Anonymous says
I think Luke is the top choice. Not only is he likely better suited to manage young players than some stuffy old coach, but he may also be offlimits for Magic’s criticism.
Jimbo says
George Karl needs a job. 🙂
matt says
I would rather see them hire someone I’ve never heard of …..than these old great grandpa’s being mentioned, (not to be taken as disrespect)
I was gonna mention george karl
Vasheed says
@Gary,
I don’t mind them doing their due diligence. Just think of how many guys Mitch looked through for last year’s draft. Although if Luke says yes, I’d hand him a contract and a check before he could change his mind.
matt says
Does the F/O have an idea,,,, yes byron scott is not the coach next year
Unless yall wanted, thibs or brooks
Mid-Wilshire says
Top choices for a new Head Coach, as I see it, would be as follows (in order):
1) LUKE WALTON — 36 years old (birthday: March 28, 1980); led Golden State this season to a 39-4 record, the 2nd best start in league history; played under 3 highly successful coaches in his career: Lute Olsen, Phil Jackson, and Steve Kerr; played at the University of Arizona, 1999-2003; graduated with a B.A. in Family Studies and Human Development in 2003; as a player in college, was a 2nd team All American and 1st team All Conference (Pac 10) in 2003; played 9 seasons with the Lakers; best season as a Laker: 2006-07 with 11 ppg, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game; served as Player Development Coach with the LA Defenders of the NBA Development League in 2013-14; has been an Assistant Coach with the Golden State Warriors for the last 2 years; 2 NBA Championships as a player; one NBA Championship as a coach.
2) ETTORE MESSINA — 56 years old (birthday: Sept. 30, 1959); Italian League Coach of the Year 3 times; Euroleague Coach of the Year twice (2006; 2008); one year as a consultant under Mike Brown with the Los Angeles Lakers; two years recently as the leading Assistant Coach with the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich.
3) KEVIN OLLIE — 43 years old; played in the NBA 1997-2010; as Head Coach, has led University of Connecticut to a 97-44 record.
4) JEFF HORNACEK — 52 years old (May 3, 1963); played in the NBA 1986-2000 as a shooting guard with Phoenix, Philly, and Utah (playing along side John Stockton and Karl Malone); says that his coaching style is a combination of Cotton Fitzsimmons and Jerry Sloan; became Head Coach of the Phoenix Suns in 2013; improved Suns by 23 games to 48-34; was runner-up to Popovich for Coach of the Year in 2014; record in 2014-15: 39-43; record in 2015-16: 14-35; fired on February 1, 2016.
Others such as Jeff Van Gundy and Jay Wright are probably long shots.
matt says
I will take sam Cassell
matt says
Mid wilshire , is all over it, i dont even gotta watch espn. …. who the rams drafting
Anonymous says
Would love to hear what rr thinks on this one
A Horse With No Name says
Would love to hear what rr thinks on this one
Aw, he’ll be all over it with his usual narrative just as soon as the news supports it. (Very light jab, rr, on this hopeful day.)
chris says
kobe?
Anonymous says
Kobe is not a good choice right now. It would look like another security blanket move by the FO.
matt says
Think about this.
For the clippers to win the championship they would have to beat the warriors, the spurs, then likely the cavs…..thats a difficult road to rings.
Rebuilding is a good place to be right now.
matt says
Kobe for coach, how about crack for a toddler
matt says
The youngsters should definitely improve under a new coach,
also i wonder how happy d’angelo russell is right now
KO says
Kind of sad today. 2 days ago I was a fan with inside information.
Today I am just a fan. I feel naked!
matt says
Ko ,,,,sounds like my son reading walking dead comics just so he can predict whats gonna happen next