Mitch Kupchak wanted no part of discussing Byron Scott's coaching

All indications point to Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott being allowed to coach the team for the rest of the 2015-16 season. After that, Scott has one guaranteed year left on his contract, followed by a team option. According to the most recent report the organization is "torn" on whether or not to fire Scott this summer after he coaches the Lakers to a franchise worst record for the second consecutive season, or to give him a chance to see what he can do with a more talented roster.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak spoke with reporters after the team's practice on Wednesday, and when asked to comment on Scott's job security he said "Byron is under contract and until that changes, or if that changes, we'll let you know." When pressed on evaluating how Scott has done in handling D'Angelo Russell, Lakers PR cut off the question and Kupchak declined comment. Shahan Ahmed of NBC Sports captured video of the first question, which is worth watching:

#Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak not in the mood to talk about Byron Scott. Watch: pic.twitter.com/x4IyXy2mYq

— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) February 17, 2016

As our own Ben Rosales noted on Twitter after the incident, this could be a case of Scott being damned by faint praise. Kupchak in the past has spoken about the tough hand his head coach was dealt with injuries (last season) and Kobe Bryant's farewell tour (this year), but the fact that he was unwilling to even give a token defense of the job Scott has done or a denial of the report could indicate which side of the reported "tear" in the organization's thinking Kupchak is on.

All quotes transcribed via Shahan Ahmed's video. You can follow this author on Twitter at @hmfaigen.