Bryant endorses Scott as new Lakers mentor

THE LOS Angeles Lakers offered Byron Scott their head coaching job, according to ESPN.com.

The two sides were negotiating a contract Friday.

Lakers owner Jim Buss made Scott a verbal offer on Thursday and Scott and his representatives were reviewing it.

Scott, who has coached the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers, played a key role as a player in helping the Lakers win three of their five NBA championships in the 1980s.

The Lakers have been without a coach since Mike D’Antoni resigned at the end of the regular season. Scott interviewed for the job three times, but the team decided to wait until after the draft in June and free agency this month before making a hire.

Lakers star Kobe Bryant has endorsed hiring Scott. The two were Lakers teammates in 1996 when Bryant was a rookie. As a coach, Scott is 937-416 in the regular season and 33-24 in the playoffs with the Nets (2000-04), Hornets (2004-09) and Cavaliers (2010-13).

Cavs head chase for Love       

Even though the Cleveland Cavaliers cannot trade number one overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins before Aug. 23, they remain the front-runner to acquire Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star power forward Kevin Love in a trade, ESPN.com reported.

According to the report, the Cavaliers’ offer still appeals to the Timberwolves more than any other proposal for Love.

The Cavaliers signed Wiggins on Thursday, so they must wait 30 days before they can trade him. They are confident of their chances of acquiring Love and pairing him with star forward LeBron James.

Wall added to US team pool

Washington Wizards guard John Wall has been added to the 2014-16 US National Team roster, USA Basketball officially announced.

Wall replaces Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, who decided to pass on playing for the US at the FIBA World Cup in August. The Sports Xchange