Byron Scott played most of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Playing alongside legends Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. During that time, they won 3 NBA titles. They are often credited for creating the most defining years of both the Lakers as well as the NBA. Scott however believes that today’s NBA players could not have held a candle against his 80’s team.
The long-time Laker was a guest on the talk show All Facts No Brakes with former Super Bowl champion Keyshawn Johnson. During the conversation, Johnson’s producer asked Byron Scott if a newer team such as LeBron James and the Miami Heat would have given them a run.
Yeah, I think they would have gave us a run, they wouldn't have won 4 games. I don't think they'd be able to compete in our era. This is the softest brand of basketball you can play right now. Back in our day, you go to the lane, you get hit. When you compare eras, you gotta think about the rules in those eras as well.Byron Scott said
Scott wanted to make it clear that the 80’s game had a different set of rules. Those rules would have made it difficult for players of this era to play. This is essentially a continuation of the notion most players of yesteryear mention, that the NBA has become soft and does not have players who are actually that good.
In those days, the players would have to be very good skill-wise while also being able to take the physical side of it. Unlike now where the physical side is almost nonexistent. Basketball has become just a show of skill.
Byron Scott did not get to coach LeBron James
Prior to coaching the Los Angeles Lakers, Byron Scott was hired to become the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. When he took the job, he thought he was going to coach the best young player in the league in LeBron James. Instead, he was left with a disappointing situation. He revealed;
That one hurt me. The day of The Decision, I'm in the office with the brain trust. They was like 'He ain't leaving'. I called Chris Paul and asked him what's he gonna do. Chris Paul called me back in 5 minutes and said, 'Coach he gone'.Byron Scott added
Scott said that he could not have convinced LeBron James to stay with the Cavaliers. He believes James’ mind was made up.
But it did hurt that he could have probably won a championship. James desired a good coach and Scott was ready to take him to the next level. Instead, he missed the chance, and the superstar took his services to the Miami Heat.
With his experience of playing alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Scott had the experience to coach LeBron James. Quite possibly, that experience could have changed the course of basketball history.
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