With Byron Scott, The Lakers Get Back to Basics

Nov 16, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) holds the ball away from Phoenix Suns shooting guard Jared Dudley (3) during the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The hiring of Byron Scott represents a return to an organizational philosophy. The post Phil Jackson era was a flailing attempt to redefine what Laker basketball meant. It was uncharacteristic in its pursuit of big name free agents. Scott represents the patience needed to make smart deals and build a team modestly at first, with the ability to make a big move down the road through trade.

Every sports franchise goes through its cycles of success and rebuilding. In the NBA, the league’s greatest organizations were able to continue making the playoffs while constantly tinkering with its roster in pursuit of championships. Teams on the cusp often made aggressive moves, like taking on a bulky contract it wouldn’t normally, in order to go for the ring now. Teams that won the championship would often look for subtle ways to cut costs, shaking loose pricey role players whose contract was up, hoping that the team could both continue to win big, but balance its books at the same time. We see this over and over with the top teams. In most cases teams miscalculated and it cost them.