Bryon Scott considered 'frontrunner' for Lakers head coaching position

The Los Angeles Lakers' coaching search has fizzled out after their first batch of interviews but Byron Scott is considered the frontrunner for the position, reports Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. Scott has given three "strong" interviews and his ties with the franchise are reasons the Lakers are seriously considering hiring him as their next head coach.

The Lakers aren't expected to hire a head coach soon, however. Los Angeles has taken a slow pace after Mike D'Antoni resigned and is prepared to draft without a new coaching staff in place. They also prefer to wait until free agency begins on July 1, leaving the coaching position vacant as a discussion point with potential high-tier free agents, according to Shelburne.

This comes as no surprise, as general manager Mitch Kupchak mentioned this as a possibility in May.

Head coaching options have dwindled for the Lakers as teams around the league fill out their ranks. Alvin Gentry, one of the candidates for the position, is joining Steve Kerr's staff with the Golden State Warriors. The Cleveland Cavaliers hired both of their leading head coaching candidates with David Blatt taking the head coaching spot and Tyronn Lue leaving Doc Rivers' staff with the Los Angeles Clippers to become an associate head coach.

Scott has been vocal in his pursuit of the Lakers' head coaching position, stating he believes he's the best coach for Kobe Bryant and the team. He holds a .444 win-loss percentage through his coaching career. He last coached the Cavaliers through the 2012-2013 season, compiling a 24-58 record prior to being replaced by Mike Brown.