Lakers fire head coach Byron Scott after two seasons

Fresh off Kobe Bryant’s retirement, the Los Angeles Lakers have fired head coach Byron Scott.

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The Lakers have fired head coach Byron Scott, the team announced Sunday night. The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the news.

Scott had one guaranteed year left on his deal with the team, and recently said he “absolutely” feels good following a 17–65 season.

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“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.

The Lakers missed out on the playoffs for a third straight season in 2015–16, marking the longest playoff drought in franchise history. The team has the second-best odds for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft.

– Kenny Ducey