Lakers Rebuilding Front Office Around Dodgers' Model With New Scouting, Analytics

The Los Angeles Lakers are undertaking a broad front office restructuring designed to mirror the Los Angeles Dodgers' acclaimed player identification and development operation, according to Rob Pelinka and sources familiar with the plan. The overhaul includes rebuilding the college scouting staff, constructing a modern pro scouting department, and expanding the club's existing analytics infrastructure.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and special adviser Farhan Zaidi have been consulting directly with the Lakers on the effort. The Dodgers' model, centered on rigorous player evaluation, development systems, and deep roster construction, serves as the organizational blueprint.

As part of the rebuild, the Lakers announced Wednesday the hiring of former Virginia head coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft adviser, which is the first basketball operations addition since Mark Walter completed his $10 billion purchase of the franchise in October.

"As we refine and build out our NBA draft and scouting processes, we could think of no better basketball mind than Tony Bennett to have as a resource," Pelinka said in a statement.

A team source said Bennett will not lead the draft room or oversee scouting directly. His primary contribution will be helping identify players with high basketball IQ, toughness, and character as the organization restocks a thin talent pipeline.

The restructuring follows November's dismissal of assistant general manager Jesse Buss and four college scouts who reported to him.

Business operations president Lon Rosen confirmed Monday that Pelinka retains full authority over basketball decisions as the Lakers enter an offseason carrying significant cap space and a critical opportunity to build a complete roster around Luka Doncic.