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Lakers: Five reasons Byron Scott must be fired this season

By Tom West

Nov 16, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott watches on from the sidelines during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott watches on from the sidelines during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) directs the offense during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) directs the offense during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Benching the future franchise player

There’s no way to be 100 percent certain who will emerge as the Lakers’ franchise player within the next few years. Russell is going to need a while to develop and he doesn’t have the kind of athleticism to wow fans as often as guys like Russell Westbrook or 2010-11 Derrick Rose. From an entertainment standpoint, he may not be the perfect ‘Vine player’ or athletic scorer to become the fan’s favorite.

As for someone like Jordan Clarkson, he’s probably already the Lakers’ best player. From his athleticism, play in transition and overall playmaking, to his improved 41.1 percent three point shooting this season, he can make a serious difference.

Then there’s the dream-like possibility of drafting someone like LSU’s Ben Simmons if the Lakers are lucky enough to land the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. He’s shown incredible potential as a 6’10” forward with remarkable passing and ball handling, with the kind of vision and scoring ability to take over a game like few freshman are able to. Unless anything changes, there’s every chance he’s a superstar in the making and he may be the face of the Lakers if they’re somehow lucky enough in the lottery to get their hands on him.

In the meantime, though, Julius Randle has shown all the signs of being a franchise-caliber player. Since impressing in Summer League to showcasing his rare talent and aggression, he’s been revealing his immense potential over the last few months.

As a 6’9″ power forward, he is somewhat undersized. The best thing about Randle, though, is that never stops him. He plays above his size, both on offense and defense. With his 12.2 points per game, he can create off the dribble with fakes and spin moves, he shoots a reasonable 44 percent from 3-10 feet out, and he tirelessly fights to finish through contact when driving or on put-backs.

He’s also holding players to just 44.4 percent shooting against him and is averaging 9.3 defensive rebounds per 36 minutes, which is an overlooked part of his game.

In short, he’s talented. You’d think that would make a head coach play him as much as possible, but oh no. Not for Byron Scott. He’d rather bench him and give Larry Nance Jr. more minutes instead. Because that makes sense, right?

Obviously it doesn’t, yet that’s what Scott has done. If it doesn’t change, he’s only going to slow down Randle’s chance to develop as early in his career as possible.

Next: Scott doesn't instil the right mindset

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