The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to unleash a set of changes to their front office, modeling their structure after the Dodgers.
The Lakers are now owned by the same owner, Mark Walter, who owns the Dodgers. Since the purchase, Dodgers front office personnel have begun working with the Lakers.
Now, the organization, led by the president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka, will be bringing in new members, and Pelinka explained the process of hiring new executives.
"The baseball system and the NBA system are totally different in terms of how you can build a roster and what you can do to spend. That said, I think just their draft process and sort of how they've established their farm system is amazing,” Pelinka said.
“And I think there's best practices in that as we evolve and get better going forward in those areas.
“And then, just the way they've sort of built out their front office, how deep it is. There is no expense they'll spare in being the best sort of front office in the world. And you could just see that in the way they operate."
It is unclear what specific changes will occur, but they could include additional scouting and analytics, along with new processes to align with those of other top organizations.
What is Rob Pelinka’s relationship with Mark Walter?
Pelinka’s role in the organization is also up in the air, especially amid criticism around the league about his team-building process and how he builds the Lakers’ roster beyond the stars.
However, early on, he has seemed quite involved in the transition regarding the front office.
"Mark Walter establishes an incredible standard of excellence, and he has been really enjoyable to collaborate with. I think Jeanie (Buss) and I have had several amazing conversations with him and keep him informed on all the details. And so, the three of us are working really, really strongly and well together," Pelinka added.
"And it's also been great to have, you know, sort of outside allies and advocates looking at the Dodgers and the success they've had and what they've built over there, and being able to tap into a person like Andrew Friedman for best practices.
“He's so incredibly smart and has done such an amazing job bringing championships to the Dodgers. So, just to have like another head of another team that you can, whether it's a roster move, whether it's a staff move, just someone that you can talk to, has been an incredible resource. It's been tremendous working with Mark and everybody around him."
Newsweek