Byron Scott Fired by Lakers: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Los Angeles Lakers announced they have fired head coach Byron Scott on Sunday following the team’s third consecutive season of missing the playoffs.

Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical initially reported the news, citing sources. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith confirmed the move.

General Manager Mitch Kupchak spoke about the decision in the team’s announcemnent:

“We would like to thank Byron for his hard work, dedication and loyalty over the last two years, but have decided it is in the best interest of the organization to make a change at this time.” 

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com reported that the Lakers had a team option for next season due to performance incentives outlined in Scott’s contract. He did not meet them during his tenure.

Scott, who played the first decade of his career with the Lakers and returned to L.A. early in the Kobe Bryant era, took over as the head coach in July 2014 after the team missed the postseason for the first time since 2005. The Lakers tasked him with leading the organization through a transitional phase with an eye toward life after Bryant.

Finding signs of progress was difficult, however, as the team finished 21-61 in 2014-15 and had a franchise-worst record of 17-65 this past season.

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