Los Angeles Lakers confirm Byron Scott appointment

A day after Scott told American TV station KCBS he would be coaching the Lakers, the LA franchise officially revealed his appointment - after Mike D'Antoni resigned in late April.

Scott, 53, began his playing career at the Lakers, spending a decade in LA, before short stints at the Indiana Pacers and Vancouver Grizzlies and a return to California for the 1996-97 season.

And Scott has returned to the Lakers once more, after head coaching gigs at the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers.

"After an extensive and thorough search, we're proud to welcome Byron back to the Lakers family as our next head coach," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said.

"Byron has proven himself at the highest levels of the game as both a player and a coach in his almost 30 years of NBA experience. His leadership skills and track record for success make him the ideal person to lead this franchise forward."

Despite the Lakers' struggles in season 2013-14 - they recorded their second-worst winning percentage in franchise history with a 27-55 win-loss ledger - Scott was dreaming big as his tenure officially began.

"I am ecstatic to once again be a Laker and to have the opportunity to work alongside Mitch and the Buss family," said Scott.

"I know firsthand what it takes to bring a championship to this city, and as someone who both grew up in LA and played the majority of my career here, I know how passionate and dedicated our fans are.

"I will give everything I have to fulfil the championship expectations that our supporters have for us, and that we have for ourselves."