LA Lakers Rumors: GM Kupchak Discusses Coach Search after Byron Scott Left Team

A little more than two weeks ago during the exit interviews, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak mentioned that Byron Scott technically remained as the team's head coach but hinted on the latter's possible departure from the franchise after discussing Scott's future with Jim Buss.

Unsurprisingly, the top brass' assessment of Scott's coaching performance in the past two seasons finally led to the management's decision to get him off the roster for the remaining two but optional years on his contract.

"There wasn't one reason that led to the decision to not extend Byron's contract. It was a bunch of things. Really just looking ahead and going forward, we just felt it was the best thing (for) the organization. If you're going to make a change, make the change now," said Kupchak as quoted by NBA.com.

He further explained saying, "It's not something that we want to drag out. There are a lot of different arenas that we can look to find a coach ... We're trying to narrow the list down. We'll contact some people, and go from there. I don't think it's gonna drag out, but you don't know."

The general manager stated that the decision to fire Scott from his current position and the hunt for the next head coach are management decisions that fall within the basket operations' jurisdiction in the West Coast franchise.

The question looming on everyone's mind is who will fill Scott's shoes?

So far, there isn't any definite answer to that yet but Kupchak thinks that the search for Lakers' next head coach doesn't have to drag on for a long time. In fact, the team does have a list of prospective candidates who can fill in the team's fourth full-time coach position.

"I think it's unlikely there will be anything done in the next week or two. But certainly I don't anticipate this dragging into the summer," said Kupchak in a recent interview as quoted by ESPN.

"We'd like to get it done. We're looking to have a big offseason. It would be nice to have our staff in place during the draft and certainly when July 1 rolls around."

Meanwhile, Warriors' assistant coach Steve Kerr is apparently on every NBA team's wish list this offseason as his name frequently crops up on Lakers' talent radar following Golden State's 39-4 record.

"Walton is one of the favorites to land the Lakers job and some reports have made it seem as if he is the Lakers first option. He is young, intelligent, and can connect with young players, and being a former Laker certainly helps his cause," wrote Corey Hansford of Lakers Nation.