Byron Scott says he’s happy in Cleveland, not interested in Lakers

PHOENIX — Byron Scott’s obligatory pregame meeting with the media lasted less than three minutes on Friday, and none of the questions had anything to do with the game that night between his Cavaliers and the Suns.

As it is with almost everything of national interest in the NBA this season, it was all about the Lakers.

With the head coaching job in Los Angeles opening up earlier in the day, and with Scott having ties to the organization as a member of the Showtime championship teams of the 80s, it was expected that he’d be asked to give his thoughts on the situation.

“I think as one of the 30 in this league, you always feel bad when one of your counterparts gets let go,” Scott said. “And it’s a little surprising to me after just five games into the season. But I was told a long time ago that when you get hired, you get hired to get fired in this league. And that’s just the NBA, that’s just the life that we’ve chosen.

“Mike will definitely bounce back on his feet. He’s a good coach and a good guy, so he’ll be fine.”

Scott mentioned the fact that the axe dropped just five games in as being surprising, but also reminded us how things ended for him with the Hornets back in 2009.

“Only thing I can compare it to is I got fired nine games into the season in New Orleans, so maybe that’s pretty close to it,” he said.

The next logical question was whether or not Scott would have any interest in the job. And while he didn’t come out and say “absolutely not,” his answer seemed genuine and sincere when he mentioned how much he enjoys this young Cavaliers team — and how maybe, the time might be right to try to gain some additional job security.

“As I stated this summer, and I made perfectly clear, I am perfectly happy here in Cleveland,” Scott said. “I love what we’re building, and love what we’re doing. This might be a good time to ask [Cavs owner Dan Gilbert] if I can get another four-year extension.

“With the young guys we have and the draft picks we have coming, I want four more years after my contract’s up. It might be a good time to start politicking for that.”