In what could serve as a sign that he is considered the favorite in the Lakers’ coaching search, Byron Scott talked with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and vice president of player personnel Jim Buss in what marked his second interview regarding the vacant head-coaching position.
“It’s certainly not a bad thing,” said a league source familiar with Scott’s thinking.
The Lakers did not make any offer or provide any clarity in where they will take their coaching search. But Scott is believed to be the only candidate to have two interviews with the Lakers thus far.
The Lakers have also interviewed a slew of other candidates with head-coaching experience, including Kurt Rambis, Alvin Gentry, Lionel Hollins and Mike Dunleavy, though Dunleavy only met with Kupchak. The Lakers also had informal discussions with George Karl. The Lakers plan to have follow-up interviews with other candidates and possibly ones they have not spoken with yet.
It is considered only a 50-50 chance that the Lakers have a coach before the NBA Draft on June 26. The Lakers actually may not have a coach once free agency begins on July 1. That is because the Lakers’ one of several recruitment tools could entail telling free agents they could have input on their next coach.
Continue reading “Lakers coaching search: Byron Scott has second interview” »