The Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be close to hiring a new head coach today, with reports the team has offered the position to Byron Scott.
Scott won three titles as a Lakers player during the team’s “Showtime” era with Magic Johnson. He played in the NBA for 14 seasons, most with the Lakers.
ESPN reported that the Lakers verbally offered Scott the job Thursday, and he and the team are in negotiations.
Scott was previously head coach of the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers.
He led the Nets to the NBA Finals in back-to-back seasons. He was named NBA coach of the year in 2008 with the Hornets.
The Lakers have been searching for a coach since the April resignation of Mike D’Antoni, who led the team to a 67-87 record in just under two seasons.
