A 3-19 record would have most coaches on the proverbial hot seat, but given how Kobe Bryant’s Fare Thee Well Tour will nicely dovetail into the Ben Simmons Draft Sweepstakes, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott appears to have plenty of job security.
Scott has already stated that he feels that the front-office has his back, and despite the fanbase’s anger, there’s been no indication that the Lakers are looking to make a change on the bench anytime soon.
Lord Byron has two years remaining on his current deal with the team.
Per the LA Daily News:
He has also overseen the Lakers’ worst start in franchise history, a 123-122 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday at Target Center marking the team’s fourth consecutive loss as the Western Conference’s worst team. […] But Byron Scott still has enough support from Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and vice president of player personnel Jim Buss that he is expected to coach through the rest of the 2015-16 season, according to team sources familiar with the situation. With Scott signing a four-year, $17 million deal last summer, the Lakers plan to evaluate his future once the 2015-16 season ends, according to a team source.
The Lakers are not happy with the persistent losing, obviously. But Kupchak and Buss sympathize with Scott on handling what one team source called “a no-win situation.”
On one hand, Scott has felt pressure to handle Bryant’s workload in his 20th and final NBA season. Scott remains mindful of Bryant’s struggles, averaging 15.9 points per game average on 30.9-percent shooting in 30.6 minutes per game. […] But out of respect for Bryant’s extensive accomplishments that have spanned five NBA championships and his current retirement tour, the Lakers have understood Scott’s tendency to lean on him heavily. They are also mindful of the challenge it takes to manage Bryant’s competitive nature.
