The Los Angeles Lakers introduced new head coach Byron Scott on Tuesday after both sides agreed to terms on a multi-year deal deal a day earlier.
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Unexpectedly, Magic Johnson, Jamal Wilke,s and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spoke during Scott’s presser. Magic said the following during his short time with the microphone, according to Eric Pincus of the L.A. Times:
Magic "you chose the right guy" to Lakers on Scott
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 29, 2014
Magic played alongside Scott in the Lakers backcourt during the Showtime era. Scott won three titles with the Lakers during the 1980s adding to an incredible run for the storied franchise which paved the way for the Kobe-Shaq era about a decade later.
Along with Magic saying the team picked the right man for the job, the five-time NBA champion also alluded to chiming in from time to time. Wilkes and Abdul-Jabbar said the same, according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Jamaal Wilkes to Byron Scott: "Like Kareem said we are going to be bothering you."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 29, 2014
Receiving input and advice from some of the greatest players to ever play the game can only help Scott in his first season as the team’s head coach in Los Angeles.
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Not only was Scott a teammate of Magic’s during the 1980s, but he also played mentor to Kobe Bryant during his rookie season in 1996. Kobe and Byron have had a very close relationship since teaming during the 1996-97 NBA season and that will definitely improve the team’s chances of coming together sooner rather than later.
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Lakers Hire New Coach Byron Scott