Despite D’Angelo Russell’s best performance of the 2015-16 season, the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 123-122 overtime thriller.
With the Lakers now 3-19 to start the season, there have been questions surrounding head coach Byron Scott and how he has managed the young core of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson through 22 games.
While the Lakers are reportedly meeting with Scott following the eight-game road trip, he is expected to coach through the remainder of the season according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
But Byron Scott still has enough support from Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and vice president of player personnel Jim Buss that he is expected to coach through the rest of the 2015-16 season, according to team sources familiar with the situation. With Scott signing a four-year, $17 million deal last summer, the Lakers plan to evaluate his future once the 2015-16 season ends, according to a team source.
Although Scott reportedly favored Russell over Jahlil Okafor and Kristaps Porzingis, the rookie point guard’s minutes have been limited and he has not appeared in fourth quarters at times. After being demoted to the second unit with Randle, the Lakers head coach shared he did not speak with them regarding the change.
As the Lakers finish their road trip, it will be interesting to see if Scott changes his approach with the young core. With the Lakers nowhere near playoff contention, player development should be the top priority as they attempt to quickly rebuild themselves into contenders.