Former Lakers star guard, three-time NBA champion accused of sexual assault in new lawsuit

The Los Angeles Lakers have dominated the news lately after their first-round playoff exit. 

Many have turned their attention to the Lakers franchise, from waiting on LeBron James’ retirement decision to hearing multiple reports indicating Luka Doncic will sign an extension with Los Angeles this summer.

On Monday, the Lakers appeared in the news again, but in one instance, it was for all the wrong seasons.

A former Lakers star guard and three-time NBA champion was recently accused of sexual assault in a new lawsuit, according to the Daily Mail’s David Thompson. 

“LA Lakers legend Byron Scott has been accused of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl in a janitor's closet when he was a young, married sporting star,” Thompson wrote. “Details of the case are included in explosive documents obtained by the Daily Mail this week.”

“The incident happened 38 years ago in a locked janitor’s closet at an exclusive private school in LA. It was the summer of 1987, and Scott was at the school for an event with the Lakers team, according to a verified amended complaint.”

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“The plaintiff, Hayley Dylan, who was 15 at the time, has chosen to reveal her identity rather than remain anonymous. Shockingly, Scott, now 64, admits that he had sexual contact with the girl but says he thought she was 18.” 

“In the lawsuit, the now 53-year-old accuses the NBA superstar of sexual battery, sexual assault, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.”

Scott had just concluded his fourth NBA season with the Lakers when the unfortunate incident occurred. 

Scott, who won three NBA titles with Los Angeles and earned a 1984 All-Rookie first-team nod, spent 11 seasons with the Lakers, one with the Vancouver Grizzlies, and two with the Indiana Pacers before going overseas to finish his career with the Greek Basketball League team Panathinaikos.

The former No. 4 overall pick then enjoyed coaching stints with the Sacramento Kings, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Lakers. 

Regarding Scott’s ongoing lawsuit, many will sadly focus on the fact that Scott made the inexcusable mistake nearly 40 years ago in an attempt to downplay it. 

However, considering the Ogden, Utah native didn’t hesitate to confess, it’s never too late to hold an individual accountable for their unsatisfactory actions.

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