Lakers Training Camp: Six Things to Watch

Apr 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott reacts to a play during the third quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 102-92. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

1. What Adjustments Will Byron Scott Make This Season?

Head coach Byron Scott is unabashedly old-school, but his rigid ways did not serve the team well last season. In Scott’s defense, he was handed a squad devoid of much talent and things only got worse when the injuries started piling up.

Still, Scott made many mistakes. He played Kobe Bryant too many minutes and Ed Davis too little. He started Ronnie Price at point for much of the year while Jordan Clarkson rode the bench. Although Scott stressed defense, his system did not produce results. On offense, he famously commented that the three-point shot is “overrated.”

Hopefully Scott has learned from last year and is ready to adjust. He doesn’t typically favor young players but must be flexible enough to play them this season. Scott has to install a system where the ball moves on offense and the team swarms on defense. He must also decide on a rotation early and stick with it, something he did not do last year.

Scott had initial success as an NBA coach with the New Jersey Nets when they appeared in back-to-back NBA Finals (0-2), but that was over 10 years ago. His three head coaching stints with the New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Lakers have done little to quiet his critics.

Despite words of support from the front office, if the Lakers record does not improve and there is no upward trajectory established, Scott may find himself out of a job next spring.

Next: Are D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle NBA-Ready?