Los Angeles Lakers: 10 greatest shooting guards in franchise history

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 23: Kobe Bryant #24 and Byron Scott of the Los Angeles Lakers is seen during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 23, 2016 at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images /

5. Byron Scott

Byron, a graduate of Morningside High School in Inglewood, ended up playing in his home city at the Fabulous Forum with the Lakers. He was selected with the 4th pick of the 1983 draft by the San Diego Clippers, then was immediately sent to LA in a pre-arranged trade for Norm Nixon.

After surviving some initial hazing from his new teammates, Scott flourished with the Showtime Lakers. He was an outstanding finisher on the fast break, where he often exploded for thunderous dunks and was also the team’s best outside shooter.

He started in the backcourt for 10 consecutive seasons, the first eight alongside Magic Johnson. The team had so many offensive weapons, and Scott was usually only the 4th or at best 3rd option. Still, he was an integral contributor to three championship teams, two of them against the hated Celtics. He even led the team in scoring in the 1987-88 season, when he averaged 21.7 points per game.

After leaving in free agency to explore opportunities with other teams, Byron returned to the Lakers in 1996-97 for his final NBA season. That year he helped mentor rookie Kobe Bryant and the two formed a close relationship that continued when Scott coached the Lakers for Kobe’s final two seasons.

In his 11-year Lakers career, Byron averaged 15.1 points and 2.8 assists.

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