Dodgers Executives Friedman and Zaidi Lend Expertise to Lakers’ Front Office
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Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirmed that he and special advisor Farhan Zaidi are informally assisting Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka as part of owner Mark Walter’s TWG Global portfolio.
Speaking on the “Dodgers Territory” podcast, Friedman explained that Zaidi “is spending a lot of time helping Mark in all of his different interests,” while Friedman remains focused on his full-time responsibilities with the Dodgers. “That being said, we’re all kind of under this TWG umbrella and it’s about providing resources to one another,” he said.
Walter, who purchased the Lakers earlier this year, already owns the Dodgers. The shared ownership allows the two iconic franchises to exchange ideas despite the different competitive landscapes of Major League Baseball and the NBA.
Friedman noted that he and Zaidi have held multiple conversations with Pelinka. Pelinka also attended a recent Dodgers organization town hall, participating in a question-and-answer session alongside Friedman and Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes. “Just all kind of leaning in together to work together and try to figure out the best ways to bring as many championships to Los Angeles as we can,” Friedman said.
While Zaidi devotes more time across TWG entities, Friedman emphasized that his primary commitment remains with the Dodgers. “Still a full-time job here, definitely not taking my eye off the ball,” he added.
The collaboration comes as the Lakers explore roster upgrades. League sources have identified Los Angeles as a potential suitor if trade discussions surrounding Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo extend into the offseason, when the Lakers expect to have additional assets available.
Source: Lakers Nation
