With Byron Scott, The Lakers Get Back to Basics

Apr 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer (5) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The most interesting news to come out the 2013-2014 season was that the Lakers were the league’s most profitable team by far, even with a dismal 27 win season, with a profit of $100 million. They remained a top 3 draw on the road, and the top seller in merchandise, which proved the durability of the brand.

The Lakers are in great financial shape on the court as well, without any long term debilitating contracts that have hamstrung teams like the Knicks. Byron Scott represents a return to the basics of how this Organization has built its teams – through the draft, through smart trades, and an organizational philosophy of Lakers basketball.

The hirings of Mike Brown and Mike D’Antoni were clumsy attempts to redefine Lakers basketball with those who didn’t understand the brand.Scott brings both an understanding of the unique pressures of the job and the enthusiasm of running to that light, knowing of the rewards its brings. For players and coaches alike, there is no greater reward in the sport of basketball than winning a title with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Even though they whiffed on Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony, the Laker’s front office put together a nice roster with a mix of youthful veterans and name talent on short deals. They have flexibility, wads of cash to be able to absorb big contracts, a coach that matters ,and a few assets like Julius Randle and a 2015 First Round pick. Its become a common theme to say the Lakers are over, but this has been said before and each time the organization has responded successfully.

The acquisition of Carlos Boozer, Jeremy Lin and Ed Davis are modest moves to be sure, but they are good enough players to help send the Lakers back to the playoffs with a healthy Kobe Bryant and productive Jordan Hill. In the 2005-06 season the Lakers made the playoffs with Kobe Bryant, Chris Mihm, Smush Parker, Lamar Odom and Luke Walton in the starting lineup. They won the Western Conference two years later. In 1994-95, Eddie Jones, Nick Van Exel, Cedric Ceballos, Vlade Divac and Elden Campbell were starters for a playoff team. The Lakers were in the Conference Finals 3 years later.

The point is success is often a move away and if we’ve learned anything these past 4 seasons, its that the Lakers still know how to make suprising deals.