LA Lakers news updates revolve around Byron Scott's confidence about Kobe Bryant coming back strong for three more years, as the former "Showtime" member said that defense would be the priority this season.

Newly hired coach Byron Scott appeared on The Jim Rome Show and provided a little bit of LA Lakers good news.

"I watched him workout here at the facility and he looks really good. He's in great shape right now,"

"He has two years left on his contract, he's the one guy, that I think with all the injuries that he's had over the last year or so, that can play three more years if he wants to and at a very high level," he said.

"Kobe's the type of guy that's still going to average 20 some points a game, he's just that good. I think he still has a lot left in the tank. I still think that desire and motivation to win another championship is the thing that drives him," Byron Scott added.

Earlier, Dime magazine talked to trainer Gary Vitti regarding Kobe Bryant's mindset going into next season.

"You said something about not wanting to bet against him, but I would like you to do that, publicly. Not that he needs any more motivation. Kobe Bryant is a brilliant basketball player. Kobe Bryant is a great athlete, but there were actually players that were more athletic than Kobe," he said.

"So why him? It's in his mind and his heart and soul. He just has something about him that most people don't. No matter what you think of Kobe Bryant, he's extremely athletic, extremely talented, works harder than anyone else, is tough as nails and intellectually brilliant. You can't take those five things away from him,"

In other LA Lakers news, the coach said that defense would be a priority this season as he confirmed with Lakers Nation's Serena Winters that he is about to finalize his coaching staff. "Filling out & finalizing the Lakers coaching staff is in the works. Per source, Byron Scott is meeting with existing staff members today."