LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Lakers fired head coach Byron Scott on Sunday, April 24 and announced that the search for a new head coach will commence immediately.
Scott led the Lakers through the worst two seasons in the franchise’s 68-season history, with a 38-126 record in his two years as coach. The Lakers finished the 2015-2016 season with the NBA’s second worst record, at 17-65.
ESPN reported that sources told writer, Ramona Shelburne, that Scott was informed by the Lakers of their decision Sunday night, during their second meeting of the past week. The Lakers are now in pursuit to find their fifth head coach since Phil Jackson left in 2011.
“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,” said Mitch Kupchak, the Laker’s general manager, in a statement.
According to ESPN, the team was eager to move quickly because of how important free agency will be this summer.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical was the first to report Scott’s discharge. Wojnarowski reported that prospective replacements as head coach include Luke Walton, assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors; Jeff Van Gundy, former head coach of the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets; Kevin Ollie, head coach of the University of Connecticut; and Ettore Messina, assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs.
