After the worst two seasons in franchise history, Byron Scott has been fired by the Los Angeles Lakers. The last two years have been extremely rough for Lakers’ fans. The losing and saying goodbye to Kobe Bryant was too much for many.
Over the weekend, the Lakers made an expected move, firing head coach Byron Scott. In some ways, even though Scott is forever family to the Lakers organization – Scott was a member of the 80’s Showtime Lakers and was Kobe’s teammate during his rookie year – Scott’s last two years with the team appeared to be a lame duck status, simply there to be a buffer between Kobe and the young Lakers roster.
Los Angeles finished with the NBA’s second-worst record at 17-65 this season. The team lost four more games than in its previous franchise-worst season in 2014-15.
Sources told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that Scott was informed by the Lakers of the decision Sunday night during their second meeting of the past week.
Sources said there was a recognition that it was “impossible” to evaluate Scott based on the talent level on the team the past two years, but the Lakers felt they needed a new vision that embraced the current style of wide-open play and outside shooting.
There was an added sense of urgency to make a move because of the importance of free agency this summer and with president of basketball operations Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak on Buss’ self-imposed one-year deadline for turning the franchise around, sources said.
Hopefully Jeanie Buss dumps her brother Jim next. Lakers have the makings of a potentially exciting young core with Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson.
