Byron Scott took over and led the Los Angeles Lakers to their worst two seasons in franchise history, finishing at 38-126.  Granted Kobe Bryant took much of their salary cap and the last season was dedicated to his farewell, Scott was criticized for his contradictory statements and unwillingness to properly develop the young players.  Despite all that, Scott is sure the Lakers will retain him as the head coach and as for his critics?  Well Scott says he’s smarter than all of them.

”I roll with the punches,” he said, “because (media members and fans), they’re not in there every day. They don’t see what we’re doing in practice. They don’t see how we prepare those guys. So they have no clue. All they’re doing is voicing their opinion. To be honest, I’m much smarter than all of them when it comes to basketball.”

When asked if he expects to be kept on as the Lakers head coach next season, Scott said “Absolutely.”

“But I think over the last couple of years, the process that we’ve tried to implement is in place, and obviously, this summer is an awfully big summer for us, and I’m looking forward to it as the head coach of the team until they tell me differently.”

The Lakers are in rebuilding mode.  They have a young core of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr.  They’ll also have a projected $60 million in cap space to spend on free agents.  Scott has one-year left on his contract, the Lakers have to decide if he’s the coach they want as they begin a new regime.

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h/t Fox Sports x ESPN