Lakers: 5 Candidates to Replace Byron Scott as Head Coach

Mar 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. The Phoenix Suns won 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. The Phoenix Suns won 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 23, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; ESPN broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls at the American Airlines Center. The Bulls defeated the Mavericks 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; ESPN broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls at the American Airlines Center. The Bulls defeated the Mavericks 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Van Gundy — Former Knicks, Rockets Head Coach

One of the most interesting head coaching candidates every offseason is Jeff Van Gundy. He’s pretty clearly happy with his gig calling games for ESPN—even if he’s driving viewers crazy in the process. At the same time, though, JVG hasn’t closed the door on his NBA head coaching career and has always made it seem like he might take up his clipboard once more if the right opportunity presents itself. Now that Byron Scott is gone, you have to wonder if the bright lights of Los Angeles are what it’ll take to lure him away from ESPN.

When he was coaching teams like the New York Knicks or Houston Rockets however many years ago, Van Gundy proved he’s more than capable of getting it done in this league. While he may have some old school tendencies like the ones that Byron often displayed to the immense frustration of Lakers fans, he’s far more willing to adapt as a head coach and would seemingly be able to adapt to the more modern NBA.

Next: Internet Reacts To Byron Scott Being Fired

Some people will certainly shoot down the though of Jeff Van Gundy being the Lakers next head coach simply because of the era that he coached in previously and because he likely annoys them when he’s on TV. When you look at his track record and what he could potentially bring to the team, though, he might not be the worst guy for the job at all if the Lakers could ultimately lure him away from his commentary position.