Byron Scott relishing Los Angeles Lakers underdog tag

Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott has revealed that he is relishing the prospect of being tagged as the underdogs this season.

The Lakers battled to avoid finishing bottom of the Western Conference last year and have lost Pau Gasol this summer as well as making a change in coaching staff.

However, Scott expects Kobe Bryant to return to form after the veteran guard played in just six games last season due to injury.

"I love the fact that pretty much everyone has written us off," Scott told reporters at the Lakers' media day.

"That's obviously fuel to the fire. Obviously I'm going to use that to my ability to talk to our players about how people are viewing us as a basketball team. We're going to go out there tomorrow and get a lot of work in. I love the fact that everybody is doubting us."

Scott also revealed that he believes Bryant will be capable of playing in all 82 regular-season games this coming season, and he expects him to average around 23 to 24 points per game.