Former Lakers Star Byron Scott Accused of Sexually Assaulting Teen in 1987

Byron Scott, former Los Angeles Lakers player and head coach, is facing serious allegations in a newly amended lawsuit that accuses him of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 1987. The lawsuit, which was first filed in December 2022 and amended in May 2025, publicly names Scott as the defendant for the first time after a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied his request to remain anonymous.

According to the lawsuit, the alleged incident took place at Campbell Hall High School in Los Angeles, where Scott, then 26 and a member of the Lakers’ “Showtime,” was participating in a team event. According to court documents, the Lakers were visiting the school to film an instructional basketball video and interact with students. The plaintiff, who was attending summer classes at the school, claims Scott lured her into a locked janitor’s closet in the gymnasium, where the alleged assault occurred.

The lawsuit accuses Scott of sexual battery and false imprisonment, alleging that he forced himself on the teenager despite her protests. As detailed in the complaint, Scott allegedly kissed her, removed her clothing, and attempted to force her to perform oral sex. The plaintiff contends she was left traumatized by the incident, which she did not report at the time due to fear and shame.

Scott’s attorney stated that while Scott does not deny sexual contact occurred, he believed the girl was over 18 at the time and was unaware of her actual age until decades later. His attorney described Scott as “devastated” by the accusations and stated, “He respects girls and women, and the claims have blindsided him and his family.”

The civil case was brought under the California Child Victim’s Act, which temporarily extended the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims. The lawsuit also names Campbell Hall High School, alleging negligence for failing to protect the student during the Lakers’ visit. The plaintiff is seeking a jury trial and damages, including compensation for emotional distress, loss of earnings, and attorney’s fees.

Following the alleged incident, Scott went on to continue his highly successful basketball career playing for the Lakers, and then later for the Indiana Pacers and Vancouver Grizzlies before retiring as a player in 1997. Scott then transitioned into coaching for the New Jersey Nets and earned NBA Coach of the Year honors with the New Orleans Hornets in 2008. He also served as head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers before returning to the Lakers as head coach from 2014 to 2016.