TITLE: Lakers Weigh Adding Assistant GM, Other High-Level Executives to Basketball Operations
SLUG: lakers-consider-expanding-front-office-staff
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers are evaluating several additions to their basketball operations department ahead of the 2026-27 season, league sources told HoopsHype.
According to the report, the organization is looking at creating at least one assistant general manager position and another senior role. To date, president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has overseen most personnel decisions.
Since Mark Walter acquired a majority stake in the franchise, the Lakers have invested heavily on the business side, bringing in executives such as Lon Rosen, Michael Spetner and Ryan Kantor during the 2025-26 campaign. Similar growth is now expected in basketball operations.
Los Angeles operates without a spending limit on staff salaries, allowing ownership to expand the front office well beyond the league’s player salary cap. Walter’s experience with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have built a large infrastructure en route to consistent MLB success, is viewed internally as a model.
Pelinka’s recent track record includes acquiring Luka Doncic and, at the 2026 trade deadline, adding Luke Kennard. Still, critics have pointed to a comparatively small front office as a potential disadvantage.
Beyond front office planning, the club has already tapped former Virginia head coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor to Pelinka in preparation for the 2026 draft. Meanwhile, the Lakers are locked in a first-round series against the Houston Rockets.
Source: LakersNation.com
