Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has already made it clear that Kobe Bryant will not have a huge role if any in the decision of who will be the next head coach. Kobe never took to resigned coach Mike D’Antonio who never really took control of the team. Kobe basically did whatever he wanted including playing how many minutes he wanted which might’ve lead to him re-injuring himself. It’s something media and fans blame Kobe and D’Antonio for. Well if Byron Scott is hired, he’s made it clear that he’ll take a more definitive stance and introduce some changes.
Byron Scott recently interviewed with the Lakers, and he discussed how he’d handle Kobe. Scott on ESPN LA:
I am the perfect guy for this job. I’ve got a great relationship with Kobe. I know the team, know the roster, watched them all season long. And I just think it would be a great fit.
Obviously, if I get the job, the first conversation with Kobe. We have to talk about the future of the Los Angles Lakers. We have to also talk about the type of direction we’re going to be taking and also talk about the type of game that he’s going to be playing, because he’s going to have to change his game a little bit, and I think he knows that. We’ve got to sit down and talk about the minutes and things like that. We’ve just got to come to an agreement. But he knows me. I’m an old-school type guy, old-school type guy. And I want him to understand that, and I think he does understand that. We communicate during the summer by text, and every now and then, I’ll run into him somewhere and we’ll talk a little bit more about basketball. But I think the biggest thing is, No. 1, I respect the hell out of Kobe, and I think he respects me. That’s the first hurdle you’ve got to get past, and then other things, we’ll solve all those little issues.
