TITLE: Lakers bring in Dodgers executives Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi as transition advisers
SLUG: lakers-tap-dodgers-executives-andrew-friedman-farhan-zaidi-as-advisers
CONTENT:
Los Angeles Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and former Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi have begun advising the Los Angeles Lakers as the franchise shifts to new majority owner Mark Walter, multiple sources told ESPN.
League approval of the Buss family’s sale to Walter was completed at the start of the 2025-26 season, clearing the way for the billionaire to introduce his own personnel. While Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka retain their titles atop basketball operations, Friedman and Zaidi are now assisting behind the scenes.
According to the report, Zaidi—currently a special adviser with the Dodgers and known for his analytics background—serves as Walter’s direct representative in the transition. Friedman is said to be offering occasional counsel to Pelinka. Both executives continue in their primary roles with the Dodgers.
Friedman has overseen three World Series championships in the last six seasons, while Walter’s baseball club has captured the past two titles. Their involvement with the Lakers follows the organization’s recent dismissal of Joey Buss, Jesse Buss and much of the scouting department earlier this week.
The additions mark Walter’s first significant personnel moves since assuming control, as the Lakers attempt to stabilize basketball operations amid ongoing Buss family turmoil.
Source: LakersNation.com
