LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers are borrowing ideas from their neighbors at Chavez Ravine as they plan the franchise’s next phase under recently installed owner Mark Walter.
Team president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka outlined the growing collaboration with the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers before Saturday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors. It was Pelinka’s first media session since Walter’s $10 billion acquisition of the 17-time NBA champions became official in late October.
Learning from a two-time champion
Pelinka said he has been consulting regularly with Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, on “best practices” that could translate from baseball to basketball.
“It’s been great to have outside allies,” Pelinka said. “Andrew is incredibly smart and has done an amazing job bringing championships to the Dodgers. Whether it’s a roster move or a staff move, being able to talk with him has been an incredible resource.”
Friedman, 49, joined the Dodgers in 2014, two years after Walter purchased the baseball club from Frank McCourt. Pelinka, Walter and acting governor Jeanie Buss have since discussed how the billionaire financier can deepen his support of the Lakers once the offseason begins. Buss will remain acting governor through at least the 2029-30 season, covering four full campaigns after 2025-26.
Front-office expansion on deck
The Lakers operate with a leaner basketball staff than many NBA rivals, a situation that became starker in November when the team dismissed alternate governor Joey Buss, assistant general manager Jesse Buss and several scouts. Pelinka said he intends to grow the department, citing the Dodgers’ willingness to “spare no expense” in building one of the deepest front offices in sports.
“Everything will be led by myself and Jeanie, with Mark’s support,” Pelinka said, adding that the franchise hopes to replicate the Dodgers’ draft and player-development infrastructure.
Trade deadline and summer flexibility
Los Angeles made one move before Thursday’s trade deadline, sending Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for veteran marksman Luke Kennard.
“When you get to add the best shooter in the game at the deadline, it’s a great opportunity, so we seized it,” Pelinka said.
He noted the front office rejected other proposals to protect both the short- and long-term outlook, emphasizing that “saying no” can also be an aggressive strategy.
The Lakers project to have roughly $50 million in cap space and three future first-round picks available this summer. Pelinka called the NBA’s new dual-apron salary system “harsh and strict,” predicting that some teams facing luxury-tax pressure may look to unload talent.
“Whether it’s free agency, keeping our own players or pursuing guys other teams need to move, we think there will be many ways to complete our roster,” he said.
The club is also weighing options for its open 15th roster spot and is “likely” to fill it during the upcoming buyout market.
Source: ESPN
