Byron Scott watching the PBA Games at Filoil Flying V Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Former Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott made a surprise visit during a game between Meralco and Phoenix in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday.
Scott was part of the sparse crowd at Filoil Flying V Centre and sat behind the Bolts bench sandwiched between his Filipino girlfriend Cecilia Gutierrez and SBP president Al Panlilio.
“I’m just here for vacation and I’m enjoying the game,” said Scott, who kept a low-key presence.
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“His girlfriend is Filipina and a friend of our relative so they’re here just on vacation. We invited him to watch the Bolts’ game and then after this he’ll also watch the game on the 25th,” said Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo.
Trillo also cleared Scott is not in town for a possible coaching job.
“He’s just on vacation and he’s a basketball guy so he just wants to see some of the games also.”
Before coaching, Scott won three NBA championships as a vital piece of the “Showtime Lakers” era in the 80s, a team led by the legendary Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
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The 55-year-old Scott spent the last three years calling the shots for the Lakers before the team opted not to renew his contract at the end of the 2015-16 NBA Season.
Under his watch, the Lakers went 62-184, including a 17-65 record last season which was the worst in franchise history.
Scott began his coaching career in 1998 with the Sacramento Kings. He then coached the New Jersey Nets, a team he guided to two straight Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003.
He was named the NBA Coach of the Year in 2008 as a member of the New Orleans Hornets.