Byron Scott's basketball journey began in Inglewood, California, where he was born on March 28, 1961. He attended Morningside High School, where his talent on the court quickly became evident. Scott's skills earned him a scholarship to Arizona State University, where he played college basketball for two seasons. His performance at Arizona State caught the attention of NBA scouts, and in 1983, he was selected by the San Diego Clippers as the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft. However, he was soon traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that would define his professional career.
Scott joined the Lakers during a period when the team was a dominant force in the NBA. Playing alongside legends such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy, Scott became an integral part of the Lakers' "Showtime" era. Known for his sharpshooting ability, particularly from beyond the three-point line, Scott provided the Lakers with a reliable scoring option. His defensive skills and athleticism also contributed to the team's success.
During his time with the Lakers, Scott helped the team secure three NBA championships in 1985, 1987, and 1988. His performance in the playoffs was often crucial, as he consistently delivered when the stakes were highest. Scott's best statistical season came in 1987-88 when he averaged 21.7 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess.
After ten seasons with the Lakers, Scott was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 1993. He spent two seasons with the Pacers, where he continued to be a valuable player, before moving to the Vancouver Grizzlies for the 1995-96 season. Scott then returned to the Lakers for one final season in 1996-97 before retiring as a player.
Transitioning from player to coach, Scott began his coaching career as an assistant with the Sacramento Kings. In 2000, he was appointed head coach of the New Jersey Nets. Under his leadership, the Nets reached the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003, marking the franchise's most successful period at that time. Scott's coaching style emphasized defense and teamwork, principles that helped the Nets become a formidable team in the Eastern Conference.
Scott later served as head coach for the New Orleans Hornets, where he was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2008. His tenure with the Hornets was marked by the development of young talent, including Chris Paul, who became one of the league's premier point guards under Scott's guidance.
In 2010, Scott took on the role of head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, a position he held for three seasons. His final coaching stint was with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2014 to 2016, bringing his career full circle as he returned to the team where he had achieved so much success as a player.
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