Granted, the objective Mitch Kupchak and Co. have directed since the conclusion to one of the worst seasons in franchise history has been rather apparent even without a head coach in place—forget 2014, because the money is in future free agencies.
With Kobe Bryant still on the roster and ready to go, Kupchak and the front office had a brief flirtation with superstars such as Carmelo Anthony before setting the course for 2015 free agency, and they subsequently selected Byron Scott as the man to brave the tough waters.
Here are the details of the long-awaited decision and some potential consequences that have cropped up after the fact.
Byron Scott Finally Joins the Rebuild
Really, Scott's job is an attractive one.
His new gig happens to be in one of the NBA's biggest markets for a legendary franchise. He gets to work closely with future Hall of Famers Steve Nash and Bryant. He gets to bring along an elite young prospect, this year's No. 7 overall pick, Julius Randle.
Should he survive what is sure to be a rocky season in a loaded conference, he gets to help pursue superstars like Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rajon Rondo and other big names set to become restricted free agents.
So yes, his satisfaction with the gig is genuine.
"It feels fantastic," he told Jim Hill of KCBS-TV (h/t ESPN's Ramona Shelburne). "This is a dream come true. I always wanted to coach the Lakers, especially when I got to coaching. It's so unreal. I have to thank [general manager] Mitch [Kupchak], Jeanie and Jim Buss to give me this opportunity."
It's all positive vibes at the moment, but as ESPN Stats & Info illustrates, the odds are not exactly stacked in his favor:
By all accounts, Scott is perfect for the j...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
