One of the major qualifications Mitch Kupchak wanted in the next Los Angeles Lakers head coach was someone who can work with star Kobe Bryant.
— Lakers Nation BLOWOUT SALE! Shirts Start At $12.50 + Free Shipping! Use Code: REDEMPTION —
Byron Scott definitely fits that mold as he and Kobe have a great relationship as Scott was Kobe’s mentor when the latter entered the league in 1996.
Now that Byron is the new Lakers head coach, he spoke about working with Kobe according to our own Serena Winters:
Byron says there will be times where he goes w/ what Kobe sees on the floor (other times won’t) “I see us talking a lot about the game."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 29, 2014
Byron will have something that most coaches don’t have immediately, in that he has a previous relationship with Kobe, and has Kobe’s respect already. That should give Scott the ability to speak with Bryant in a way that others can’t.
Getting the most out of Kobe Bryant will be essential to the success of this Lakers team. Byron may believe that the Lakers have a competitive roster, but this team will only go as far as Kobe takes them.
— Think You Know Everything About The 1980’s Lakers? Take The Ultimate Fan Quiz! —
After two major injuries over the past year and a half, many wonder whether Kobe can return to previous form. As long as he and Byron are on the same page, it should make things far better for Kobe.
Kobe has a reputation as someone who is difficult to coach and play with. But this hiring of Scott should appease Kobe and in turn, will make him and the Lakers better.
__________________________________________________________________________
Lakers Hire New Coach Byron Scott
