The Los Angeles Lakers have offered their head-coaching job to Byron Scott, ESPN reported Friday, citing league sources.
Scott spoke with Lakers co-owner Jim Buss on Thursday, and a verbal offer was made. The sides are negotiating a contract, as Scott’s representatives are reviewing the offer, according to ESPN.
Mike D’Antoni resigned as Lakers coach in April after the team refused to pick up his option for the 2015-16 season.
Scott was fired by the Cleveland Cavaliers at the end of the 2013 season, going 64-166 in his three seasons with the team.
The 53-year-old said in May that he believed he’d be named the next Lakers coach, citing his relationship with Kobe Bryant as the reason.
“I think I’ve got a hand up on (the job) because of our relationship,” Scott told USA Today. “We get along extremely well. Kobe knows all about me and what I’m about.”
Scott has coached three NBA teams over the span of 13 years, going 416-520 in the process. He also played for the Lakers from 1983 to 1993 and in 1996-97, winning three NBA championships.
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