The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to wait until the start of July to hire a new head coach, at which point it seems former franchise great Byron Scott will get the nod. According to ESPN, Scott is the presumed front-runner after impressing in three interviews.
Mike Dunleavy and Lionel Hollins are two other candidates that have been linked to the Lakers. Alvin Gentry was considered a candidate prior to joining the Golden State Warriors as an associate head coach.
It was previously reported that the Lakers wanted to wait until LeBron James makes the decision whether to opt out. It remains to be seen how much impact a potential hire would have on James decision should he opt for free agency.
Scott’s head coaching experience includes three years with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He joined that franchise the year after James bolted to the Miami Heat and was fired following a 24-58 campaign back in 2012-2013. Prior to that, Scott coached the New Orleans Hornets and New Jersey Nets. He boasts a career 416-521 NBA coaching record and last earned a trip to the postseason with the Hornets back in 2008-2009.
Photo: Cleveland.com