The first major decision the Los Angeles Lakers need to make in this off-season that will likely be full of them is whether or not to move forward with Byron Scott as their head coach.
Multiple teams with head coaching vacancies are moving quickly to fill them as the Lakers continue to try and figure out whether they will give Scott a third year.
With teams focusing on many different coaching options, ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that the Lakers are still deliberating about whether or not to keep Scott:
Sacramento just getting started; Lakers deliberating whether to keep Byron Scott; Knicks' focus, for now, remains Kurt Rambis & David Blatt
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 20, 2016
There are arguments to be made on both sides of the fence, but the most important thing for the Lakers to do is simply make the decision quickly. Scott has said that he expects to return, but also noted that he has received no assurances that will be the case.
Tom Thibodeau has already agreed to a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, though he had reportedly crossed the Lakers off his list. Scott Brooks reportedly has an interest in the Lakers job if it comes open, but is also being courted by multiple teams as well.
Another fan favorite, Luke Walton, has reportedly spoken with multiple teams and there are reports that the Sacramento Kings plan on speaking with him as well. If the Lakers choose to keep Scott, then this is a moot point, but if the Lakers don’t move soon they could be seriously out of luck.