Showtime is back: New coach Byron Scott believes Lakers will be back in title contention soon

Former Los Angeles Lakers players from left, Jamaal Wilkes, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Byron Scott, Earvin "Magic" Johnson with general manager Mitch Kupchak pose during a news conference to introduce Scott as the new Lakers head coach in Los Angeles Tuesday, July 29, 2014. Scott is the former head coach for New Jersey, New Orleans and Cleveland, reaching two NBA Finals with the Nets. He was the NBA's coach of the year in 2008. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) (The Associated Press)

Byron Scott is introduced as the successor to Mike D'Antoni as the Lakers' head coach during a news conference in Los Angeles Tuesday, July 29, 2014. Scott is coming home for his fourth NBA coaching job. He inherits a team that missed the playoffs for just the third time in 38 years. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) (The Associated Press)

Byron Scott is taking over the Los Angeles Lakers with the vocal support of his fellow Showtime greats.

Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jamaal Wilkes attended Tuesday's introductory news conference for Scott, the 25th head coach in franchise history.

Scott boldly predicted a quick return to NBA title contention for the Lakers, who are coming off their worst season since moving to Los Angeles.

The Lakers spent nearly three months without a head coach before finally hiring Scott, a shooting guard on three Showtime championship teams in the 1980s.

Scott has been a head coach with New Jersey, New Orleans and Cleveland. But the Lakers have always been the ideal job for the Inglewood product who grew up sneaking into the Forum to watch Jerry West.