Lakers hire Byron Scott as head coach for 4 years, ESPN reports

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $17 million contract with Byron Scott to be their next head coach, according to ESPN sources.

ESPN reports the Lakers hold a team option on the final year of the deal.

The team made Scott a verbal offer on Thursday after Scott spoke with owner Jim Buss.

The head coach position was left vacant after Mike D'Antoni resigned in April.

Scott has received a key endorsement from Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who played with Scott as a rookie in 1996.

The Inglewood-native played at Morningside High School and went on to win three titles out of six NBA finals. He's also been head coach of the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers.

ESPN contributed to this report.