Rob Pelinka Signals Offseason Expansion of Lakers Front Office
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Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said the organization will hire several new executives after the season, aiming to create a deeper basketball-operations department modeled on the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Speaking before Saturday’s victory over the Golden State Warriors, Pelinka explained that the club wants “real depth” behind the scenes and is studying the structure of the Dodgers, who share controlling owner Mark Walter with the Lakers minority ownership group. “The baseball system and the NBA system are totally different,” Pelinka noted, “but their draft process and the way they’ve built out their front office is amazing.”
The Lakers currently operate with one of the smallest front-office staffs in the league. Pelinka said that philosophy will change, emphasizing that the Dodgers “spare no expense in being the best front office in the world.”
Pelinka has already consulted Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman to discuss roster construction and staffing philosophies. “He’s so incredibly smart,” Pelinka said. “Whether it’s a roster move or a staff move, having someone like that to talk to has been an incredible resource.”
The executive also clarified the franchise’s chain of command following the October sale of a minority stake to Walter’s group. Controlling owner Jeanie Buss remains at the top of the hierarchy, with Pelinka running basketball decisions. “Led by myself and Jeanie,” he said, “and with Mark’s support.”
The planned hires mark a strategic shift for a franchise historically focused on marquee players rather than organizational infrastructure. The additions are expected to be made once the offseason begins.
Source: Hoops Wire
