Now that the NBA regular season is over, the focus for the Los Angeles Lakers turns to the off-season, and one of the major questions is whether or not Byron Scott will return as head coach.
The Lakers have set franchise records for losses in each of Scott’s first two seasons, but recent rumors have suggested that Lakers President Jeanie Buss is pushing for Scott’s return next season.
Nothing is for certain at this point, but at his exit interview Scott said that he hasn’t received any assurances that he will return next season according to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes:
Byron says that he hasn’t received any assurances from management that he’ll be next season but he says he doesn’t need assurances just now.
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) April 15, 2016
Despite the lack of assurances, Scott still fully believes he will be the Lakers coach next year according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Byron Scott says at this point in time, he “absolutely” expects to be the Lakers coach next year.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 15, 2016
There are still major questions surrounding this team, but one of the first that needs to be answered is whether or not Scott will return. If they choose to move in another direction they would be wise to make the decision soon as many top candidates could be gone if they wait too long.
Scott has not endeared himself to the fans in his first two years, but if he returns and helps the Lakers turn things around, views of him would surely change.