The Los Angeles Lakers have added longtime college coach Tony Bennett to their front-office staff, naming the former University of Virginia leader as a draft advisor to president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka.
Bennett, who guided Virginia to the 2019 NCAA championship and previously turned Washington State into a Pac-12 contender, is expected to lend his eye for “toughness, energy and IQ” rather than run the club’s scouting department, a team source told The Athletic. His assignment centers on helping Los Angeles identify young prospects who fit those traits as the franchise looks to replenish a roster thin on up-and-coming talent.
During 15 seasons at Virginia and Washington State, Bennett developed several future NBA contributors, including Klay Thompson, Malcolm Brogdon, DeAndre Hunter and Trey Murphy III. His collegiate teams were known for disciplined defense and unselfish play—qualities the Lakers hope to locate in the draft.
Los Angeles once excelled at uncovering late-round value—Jordan Clarkson, Josh Hart, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac and Larry Nance Jr. all entered the league as Lakers picks outside the lottery—but recent drafts have produced fewer long-term pieces. With Dalton Knecht’s stock slipping and rookie Adou Thiero limited by injuries, the organization has few young assets on hand.
Bennett’s arrival marks another shift under governor Jeanie Buss and Pelinka as the Lakers attempt to restock their developmental pipeline while continuing to pursue immediate playoff success.
Source: Lakers Nation
