Los Angeles Lakers: Top Candidates To Replace Byron Scott

3. Ettore Messina

There are few men more respected in the coaching world than Ettore Messina. He’s one of the most decorated coaches in the history of international basketball, which makes his humility in taking a job as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs all the more commendable for.

What negative can one say about a legendary European coach who humbly works under Gregg Popovich to adjust to the NBA style?

Messina is a four-time Euroleague champion with 11 titles between the Italian, Russian, and VTB United leagues. He’s also a seven-time Italian Cup and two-time Russian Cup champion, and while that may not mean much to those unfamiliar with said events, it paints a clear picture.

All Messina does is win.

Messina’s system focuses on the strengths and versatility of big men, which bodes well for Julius Randle. He’s far from incompetent in his use of guards, however, and would help D’Angelo Russell become a more consistent threat in the halfcourt.

A former consultant for the Los Angeles Lakers, Messina is certainly on the radar. The question is, would Messina’s halfcourt offense fit a Lakers team that has the personnel to get out and run?

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