Brandon Bass Reflects On Byron Scott Motivating Him In His Early Years

Of the three off-season acquisitions for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, forward Brandon Bass was probably the least known. While Roy Hibbert is a former All-Star and Lou Williams won Sixth Man of the Year last season, Bass has long been a solid professional who does his job every night.

— Think You Know Everything About Kobe Bryant? Take The Ultimate Kobe Quiz! —

Bass was drafted by New Orleans in 2003 where he was coached by now Lakers head coach Byron Scott for his first two years in the league. At his introductory press conference, Bass said that Scott motivated him to get in the gym during those years via the Los Angeles Lakers’ official Twitter:

The hard work paid off as even though Bass never got much playing time under Scott in New Orleans, he quickly blossomed once leaving. He has averaged at least eight points and four rebounds in seven of his last eight seasons in the NBA including double-figure points in three of the last four.

Bass is comfortable both starting and coming off the bench and he could be doing both this season. He will likely battle with Julius Randle for the starting power forward spot, but should get plenty of minutes regardless of if he’s in the starting lineup or not.

Hibbert’s focus is mainly on improving the Lakers defense and Williams’ job is to give the team some extra offensive punch off the bench. Bass is capable of filling in whatever role he needs to and Byron Scott motivating him like he did when he was a rookie should only help.

[divide]

You May Also Like

Lakers News: L.A. Finalizing Two-Year Deal With David Nwaba

The Los Angeles Lakers had a decision to make regarding David Nwaba. After his second 10-day contract expired on Monday…

Matt Barnes Declares Himself Healthy Despite DNP

After losing the starting small forward position to Devin Ebanks before the…

Lakers News: Bronny James Reveals Playing With LeBron James Wasn’t ‘Main Focus’ Of His

When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the immediate reaction…

Lakers News: Kyle Kuzma Focused On Rebounding, With Or Without Anthony Davis

Kyle Kuzma has been enjoying extra minutes on the floor in the absence of Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis…