NBA

Lakers in Negotiations With Byron Scott for Head Coaching Job: Report

Scott was previously head coach of the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers

The Los Angeles Lakers appear close to hiring a new head coach Friday, with reports that the team has offered the position to former Laker Byron Scott.

Scott won three titles as a Lakers player during the team's "Showtime" era with Magic Johnson. He played in the NBA for 14 seasons, most with the  Lakers.

ESPN reported that the Lakers verbally offered Scott the job Thursday, and that he and the team are in negotiations.

Scott was previously head coach of the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans  Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers. He led the Nets to the NBA Finals in back-to- back seasons. He was named NBA coach of the year in 2008 with the Hornets.

Scott has the endorsement of Lakers star Kobe Bryant. The two were teammates in 1996 during Bryant's rookie season.

The Lakers have been searching for a coach since the April resignation  of Mike D'Antoni, who led the team to a 67-87 record in just under two seasons. D'Antoni resigned at the end of April.

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