Byron Scott Says Lakers Can Win NBA Title Within 5 Years with Magic Johnson

Former player and coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Byron Scott believes Magic Johnson is the man who can turn around the franchise.

When asked by TMZ about expectations for the organization, Scott had high praise for his former teammate:

"Five years down the road, I think this team is going to be right there playing for a championship again. And I think his role is going to be solidified," the 55-year-old said. "He doesn't take this job lightly. Magic is a winner, always has been a winner. ... You talk about being a competitor as he is, this is going to fuel his fire because he wants to be great in this as well, so he's going to give it everything he's got."

Scott, who was fired as head coach of the Lakers last season after accumulating a 38-126 record in two years, also said he would "take a serious, serious look" at joining the front office if a position is offered.

As the team announced, Johnson was named president of basketball operations in an overhaul that saw Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss relieved of their duties.

By the end of the day, he was already involved in a major trade sending Lou Williams to the Houston Rockets for Corey Brewer and a first-round pick, per Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania of The Vertical.

Still, there is a lot more work to do in order for the squad to return to contention. While the Lakers won back-to-back titles as recently as 2009-2010, they also haven't reached the playoffs in the last three seasons, with this year likely to make four. The team hasn't reached 30 wins since 2012-13.

Despite the challenge, Scott has faith in a man he spent eight years playing with in Los Angeles, winning three titles in 1985, 1987 and 1988.