The Los Angeles Lakers approached Minnesota Timberwolves assistant general manager Steve Senior earlier this spring, offering him the position of executive vice president of basketball operations, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Senior, who has served as an assistant GM in Minnesota, declined the promotion and chose to remain with the Timberwolves, according to multiple people familiar with the talks. The Lakers’ proposal surfaced roughly three months after consultant Farhan Zaidi began contacting agents representing front-office and medical professionals in February.
Role Would Have Reported Directly to Pelinka
The executive vice president post would have placed Senior directly beneath Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations and general manager. The job was expected to include a significant salary increase and substantial influence over roster construction.
Search Led by Zaidi
Zaidi, who is advising new team governor Mark Walter, does not hold an official title with the Lakers but has been deeply involved in the franchise’s front-office overhaul. His outreach to candidates underscores the organization’s intention to expand departments that have historically operated with limited staffing, including scouting and medical services.
Additional Hires Planned
The club also intends to add two assistant general managers this offseason. Zaidi and Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman have participated in interviews for those positions, sources said.
The Lakers’ pursuit of Senior signals the organization’s commitment to broadening its basketball-operations infrastructure following Walter’s takeover.
Source: Lakers Nation
