B-Bye B-Scott, Welcome Back B-Shaw, One More Time PJ

Former Los Angeles Lakers Byron Scott has been officially named head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Scott, 49, a former member of the Magic Johnson era Showtime teams that accumulated five NBA Titles in the 1980’s made his decision Thursday morning, amid rumors that current Lakers Assistant Coach Brian Shaw was the frontrunner for the vacant position. But Shaw abruptly withdrew his name from consideration as many speculated that Scott would automatically became the Cavaliers next top choice. Cleveland officials have said throughout that Scott was always their prime candidate but that Shaw had interviewed well which made their decision all the more difficult. Negotiations with Scott’s agent began in earnest Wednesday with Shaw formally withdrawing later that evening. Shaw, 44, has been serving as one of Phil Jackson’s prized assistants since 2004. His role with the team this season became even more prominent with the departure of long-time Assistant Coach Kurt Rambis (Minnesota Timberwolves). With the announcement of Phil Jackson’s return for one more season, it is widely assumed that Brian Shaw will inherit the head coaching duties at the conclusion of the upcoming season. Should the Lakers win the championship again next season, it would mark the fourth time Jackson has led a team to three-consecutive titles. Jackson accomplished the feat twice with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls and once with the Shaq/Kobe Lakers of the early 2000s.