Byron Scott, a former Los Angeles Lakers player, is facing a lawsuit from a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by him in 1987 when she was just 15. According to the lawsuit, which was originally filed in December 2022 and amended in May 2023, the incident occurred at a team event held at Campbell Hall High School in Los Angeles. The amendment to the lawsuit identified Scott, who had been listed as “John Doe,” after he sought to have his name removed from the court documents.
The lawsuit states that the plaintiff was attending summer classes at Campbell Hall when the alleged assault occurred in a locked closet within the gymnasium. During that summer, the Lakers were reportedly filming educational basketball videos and interacting with students and staff.
Scott is denying the allegations through his attorney, Linda Bauermeister, who asserts that the woman is likely of legal age now. “Our clients are devastated by this complaint,” Bauermeister noted in a statement. She expressed disbelief that Scott would have been accused of such behavior 35 years later, emphasizing that he held respect for her and that the claims have taken a toll on him and his family.
At the time of the alleged incident, Scott was married, though he later divorced in 2014. The lawsuit also claims that staff at Campbell Hall High School failed to protect the plaintiff, seeking $25,000 in damages, which includes lost profits and legal fees for both Scott and the school.
During his career, Scott was a key player on the Lakers, contributing to three championship wins and averaging 15.1 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 14 NBA seasons, primarily with the Lakers. He also played for the Indiana Pacers and the Vancouver Grizzlies.
After retiring as a player, Scott transitioned into coaching, leading various teams including the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Lakers from 2014 to 2016. He is currently coaching the Philippine national team.
