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Lakers: 5 Reasons Why Giving Byron Scott Credit for Success is Wrong

By Cody Williams

Mar 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott reacts in the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. The Lakers won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott reacts in the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. The Lakers won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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February 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) moves the ball up court against Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) moves the ball up court against Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Injuries May Have Done the Work For Byron

One of the things that probably isn’t being talked about enough regarding the Lakers’ recent run of success and the young guys getting to shine together is the fact that it may not have been a decision Byron Scott fully wanted to make. Sure, he may have wanted to increase their minutes together, but fans shouldn’t forget that the Lakers’ struggles with injuries as of late may have, more or less, forced the head coach to let Russell, Clarkson, and Randle run the show.

It’s more than a coincidence that this run in March for the Lakers has gone hand-in-hand with a stretch where Lou Williams has been out of action due to a hamstring injury and where Kobe Bryant has been in and out of the lineup as he nurses a shoulder injury and tries to make it to the conclusion of his final NBA season at least mildly healthy. While it’s to a lesser degree with Kobe who has actually done an admirable job of helping lead the younger players when he’s on the floor with them, the Williams injury has essentially not given Scott any other choice than to rely on Russell and Clarkson.

Until he went out with the hamstring, Scott’s reliance on Williams was a hugely frustrating nuance of his Lakers team this season. Because of Lou’s experience, Byron would consistently give him the nod over letting the young guys garner experience in important moments together. With Williams out, Scott now is left without a choice, making you wonder if the coach would’ve been as willing to move in this direction had he not been forced to.

Next: Refusal To Accept Blame Earlier in Season

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