Lakers fire coach Byron Scott

MANILA, Philippines – Kobe Bryant isn’t the only Laker who won’t be returning for the 2016-17 season.

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly fired coach Byron Scott, according to reports from Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. Scott had one year left on the deal worth $17 million he had signed in 2014, which had a team-option for a fourth year.

The Los Angeles Lakers have fired coach Byron Scott, league sources tell @TheVertical

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) April 25, 2016

Scott, 55, took over the team in 2014 but had struggled to a 38-126 record in two seasons mentoring a team centered around an aging Bryant and seeking to rebuild with rookies. The Lakers’ 17-65 record in the 2015-16 season was the worst ever in franchise history.

“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,” general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement.

Despite mounting criticism over the team’s performance, Scott remained optimistic about his future with the team, telling the OC Register last week: “Obviously this summer is another big summer for us…and I’m looking forward to it as the head coach of the team until they tell me differently.”

He had dismissed calls for him to be replaced by fans and critics, saying “I‘m much smarter than all of them when it comes to basketball.”

Scott is one of several post-season coaching casualties, joining George Karl, Randy Wittman and Sam Mitchell. – Rappler.com