Byron Scott (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The LA Lakers should make changes, but the front office seems stubborn on the one change that seems to be the most obvious.
After a horrendous 17 win season, Byron Scott may just keep his head coaching seat. Most fans and observers find this ridiculous since coaches like David Blatt have been fired in mid season. The report came from Yahoo Sports.
"Coach Byron Scott has a team option on his contract for next season, league sources told The Vertical, and there's strong belief within the organization that he'll be brought back next season. For now, there's too much discord in ownership to generate a consensus on making a coaching change, sources said."
A separate report has Scott having a both of confidence by no less than owner Jeanie Buss. This was mentioned by Ken Berger of CBS.
"Believe it or not, Byron Scott has what one source described as a 'major chance' to stay with the Lakers; Jeanie Buss is said to be pushing for Scott behind the scenes. If so, it could clear the way for a top-to-bottom reset for the franchise in 2017, and the possible return of Jackson to run basketball operations with Luke Walton as the coach. There are a lot of dots to be connected to get from here to there, though -- not to mention a lot more games for the Lakers to lose."
In light of similar sentiments with the New York Knicks and Phil Jackson, who happens to be Jeanie Buss' fiancee, the Lakers insistence to keep Scott is not surprising. One of the perceived flaws of both regimes is their strict (critics would say stubborn) adherence to old school philosophies.
Jackson has fired back at critics citing his success (11 rings) and Byron Scott has also been unnerved by the consistent bashing towards his playmaking. Recently, Scott did admit that he could do better in terms of developing young players like D'Angelo Russell, but is it enough to keep him as a coach for the future?
One of the keys in this decision is Luke Walton. The former Laker is focused on his assistant coach chores with the defending champion Golden State Warriors, but after the season and the huge monetary offers are thrown his way, he may find his way back to purple and gold.
