NBA Offseason Roundtable Part 1
Jan 25, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A fan holds up a sign in support of Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the second half against the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
THE NEXT COACH OF THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS WILL BE…
MS — I feel like this answer should be Lionel Hollins, however, if recent reports hold true I’d be surprised if it wasn’t Byron Scott.
GM — In the next few weeks I expect Byron Scott to get hired as the Los Angeles Lakers new coach. His connection with Kobe Bryant and history as a Lakers player will give him a significant edge.
RW — Byron Scott. He brings in the Laker background, having played in Los Angeles from 1983-93 and 1996-97. Though, if Scott does not produce positive results by year two, he could be sent just as quickly as the previous coaches (Mike Brown and Mike D’Antoni).
JA — … a complete surprise out of left field. Can’t wait to be proven right.
DA — in trouble. That job, for the first time in a long time, is a part headache/part nightmare and it all starts with their aging superstar, Kobe Bryant. I think Byron Scott is the favorite, his playing days in L.A. and his experience coaching make him the most qualified. But between managing an incomplete roster, a supersized ego in Bryant and the expectations of a fickle fanbase, it might be better to stay retired and wait for a better opportunity.
BO — Mike Brown! Can you imagine what would happen if the Lakers brought Brown back? Oh, the hiliarity…No, I think that Byron Scott ends up as the Lakers’ coach. I still can’t believe they haven’t filled the opening yet. What are they waiting for? Magic Johnson? … Wait, you don’t think they are really waiting for Magic Johnson, do you?
AL — Tyronn Lue or Mark Jackson. Jackson could be bombastic enough to win over an interview, but if he couldn’t get it done in Golden State, the Lakers brass might bristle at that. Lue has earned his coaching chops and will probably not try to steal the spotlight from Kobe, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lakers got a completly new dark horse candidate that no one is aware of yet.