Showtime Again for Byron Scott

Byron Scott is back with the Lakers, having signed a partially guaranteed contract Monday for the league minimum of $247,500 after weeks of considering other teams and other countries but always dreaming of returning home.

In another development, Michael Cooper quit as assistant coach to pursue other options. That job now goes to Kurt Rambis.

Scott’s return gives the Lakers 16 players heading into training camp Friday in Honolulu, meaning four must be cut or develop a convenient injury within the next four weeks. More specifically, it gives them six guards with a chance to stick, one more than most teams like to carry, but Coach Del Harris has some flexibility since Eddie Jones is proven at small forward and rookie Kobe Bryant is also projected to be able to play there.

Scott is the one on the bubble if there is a cut in the backcourt, with Nick Van Exel, Jones, Bryant and Derek Fisher sure things and Rumeal Robinson given an edge because he is the only point guard with experience on the bench. The 35-year-old Scott, however, could provide some needed outside shooting while supplying leadership.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “I’m back where I felt I belonged and I get an opportunity to end my career where it started.”

After fielding several offers he returns to the Forum and to the same uniform, No. 4. It had been earmarked for Fisher, the rookie, but he agreed to pick another number.

Cooper, meanwhile, leaves after a little more than two seasons on the bench and nearly three before that as special assistant to the general manager. He wants to stay in coaching, but felt he had gone as far as he could with the Lakers.

Rambis had been a special assistant the last two seasons, working with the young big men and doing some scouting. This is his first full-time bench job.

In other news, Bryant, recovering from a broken left wrist, had the cast removed Monday and will be able to participate in some drills from the start of camp. Bryant probably will sit out the first two or three exhibition games.