Byron Antom Scott was born in Ogden, Utah on March 28, 1961. He grew up in Inglewood, California where he attended Morningside High School. Thus, naturally he grew up watching the Los Angeles Lakers and one day wanted to play for them. It's widely known that when he was a child, he used to sneak into the Forum to watch Laker games. Byron then moved onto Arizona State where he set a school record for scoring in one season. He averaged 21.6 points per game that season. He still remains as Arizona State's all-time leading scorer. Byron was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1993 NBA draft. However, Byron was traded to the Lakers along with Swen Nater for Norm Nixon and Eddie Jordan. This was an unpopular move among fans as Norm Nixon was well liked. However, Byron was soon accepted by fans as he found his way into the starting lineup. Byron finished third in voting for the Rookie of the Year award as he averaged 10.6 points per game. Byron molded perfectly with Magic Johnson as they clicked together on and off the court. Byron won three championship rings with the Lakers. In 1987 Byron had an unbelievable season. He led the Lakers in scoring averaging 22 points per game. He shot 53% from the field and 86% from the freethrow line. However, he was left out of the all-star game :( In 1993-94 the Lakers couldn't sign Byron so the Indiana Pacers picked him up to back up Reggie Miller. He played two seasons there then was picked up by the expansion team Vancouver Grizzlies as Indiana didn't protect him. In 1996 Byron came back to the Lakers to provide some veteran leadership and outside shooting to a very talented but young team. He signed for the league minimum and helped the Lakers reach the playoffs. The Lakers unfortunately were unable to sign Byron this season. He has signed a contract to play in Greece for two years for 2.3 million dollars far outweighing what he wanted to play for the Lakers. There is still great feelings between Byron and the Lakers as they part ways for two years. Byron and wife Anita have three children: sons Thomas and Daron, and daughter London Branae. He holds the "Byron Scott Challenge For Charity" anually and has raised over $2 million dollars for various charities.

Check Out Byron's Stats

Byron discusses fan support
Byron discusses his leadership role
Byron's five steps to a perfect jump shot
Hear Byron Rap!!
Listen to Byron's sweet voice :)

My love for the game grew with the "Showtime" Lakers of the eighties. As a kid growing up, I would never miss a game. I loved watching Laker legends like Magic, Kareem and Worthy, and also guys like Bird and Isiah. As much as I loved watching those guys, the player I idolized and respected the most was Byron Scott. He was the silent assasin, with a deadly jumpers that seemed to always find nothin' but net. He performed in the shadows of Magic and Kareem throughout his prime, but he was never outdone. His 21 ppg led the Lakers in scoring during their championship run in '87. He was the second leading scorer in the following season, in which the Lakers won the championship back to back. Even though he was overlooked by the media, the other Laker's players and people around the league knew how good Byron really was. Other teams knew that when you played the Lakers, you better find a way to contain Scott on the perimeter. But, Byron not only exelled on the court, he was a role model off it.

No matter what Mr.Barkley says, athletes are role models. Kids look up to and idolize these guys. In a society where we are constantly looking for heroes, professional athletes can fill that void. Byron Scott was the type of person off the court, any kid could look up to. He grew up in the Los Angeles area and despite all his success, he constantly gave back to his community. Every year he takes part in many charity events around the L.A. area, in an effort to give back. Even today, as he gets ready to leave for Athens, he continues his charitable work. Scott has made an agreement with the Greek team, which would allow him to come back to L.A. a few times within the next couple of weeks so that he can fullfil some of his charitable obligations.

As Scott leaves for Greece, maybe having played his last game in the NBA, I can't help but remember those days out on the court, pretending it was the 7th game of the finals. Time running out and the Lakers down by two, against the dreaded Boston Celtics. Magic with the ball in the post. He has Bird all over him...7...6...5...McHale comes off of Thompson to double team...4...3...2...Magic kicks it out to Scott at the three point line, who takes a quick glance at the clock and...2...1...lets it fly. Just as the buzzer goes off the balls sails throug the net and the Lakers win, the Lakers win!

Someone once said, sports is a metaphor for life. There are ups and downs. One's goal (the championship) is a product of unrelenting hard work and there are heroes and villians. If there ever were a hero, a good guy who epitimized the essence of the game, Byron was it. Thanks for the memories....

By Ron Ahmed

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