Though the results in the Los Angeles Lakers’ win-loss record doesn’t show it, new head coach Byron Scott has done a good job at changing the mindset of this Lakers’ team as everyone is focused on excelling on the defensive end. But the Lakers could easily have never had the chance to bring Scott in this year.
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In 2013, the Los Angeles Clippers apparently gave strong consideration to Scott before Doc Rivers became available according to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News:
Clippers gave Scott "strong consideration" after in-person interviews, said league source. But Doc entering picture changed everything
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 1, 2014
Though Scott admits to being ‘pretty deep’ in talks with the Clippers, he says he is happy with how things worked out via Medina:
Byron Scott said he was "pretty deep" in becoming the Clippers coach before it went to Doc. But Scott glad it happened the way it did
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 1, 2014
Scott to the Clippers would have also been a homecoming of sorts as Scott was drafted by the then-San Diego Clippers fourth overall in 1983. But the Clippers traded him to the Lakers for guard Norm Nixon and he never played a minute with the franchise.
Who knows what the Lakers would have done if Scott was never available this off-season. Fans could easily be seeing Mike Dunleavy or Lionel Hollins roaming the sidelines for the purple and gold. Things seemed to have worked out for all sides involved and though Scott has a long journey in front of him, he is setting the foundation for future Lakers greatness.
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