The Los Angeles Lakers announced the addition of Tony Bennett, legendary former head coach of the University of Virginia, as their new special advisor for the NBA Draft. This move, reported Wednesday, places one of the brightest minds in college basketball directly within the inner circle of Rob Pelinka, the franchise’s vice president of basketball operations and general manager.
Bennett’s arrival is no coincidence; it responds to a deep restructuring following the historic $10 billion purchase of the team by Mark Walter.
Pelinka was emphatic in justifying the hiring: “As we refine and build out our NBA draft and scouting processes, we could think of no better basketball mind than Tony Bennett to have as a resource,” the executive said in an official statement.
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Pelinka added that Bennett’s influence will go beyond simply analyzing prospects: “Tony’s track record of forming culture, with high-character, high-skill and high-IQ players is revered and respected across all basketball circles. Tony will be an incredible asset to our basketball leadership, to our scouts and to our draft department as a whole. We are truly excited.”
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Bennett, 56, left an immense void in college basketball following his retirement in 2024. His tenure at Virginia (2009-2024) concluded with a 364-136 record and the 2019 national title. His impact was such that just last Saturday, the university named the court at John Paul Jones Arena in his honor. Now, the three-time National Coach of the Year takes on the challenge of advising an organization with 17 championship banners, though one currently undergoing a generational transition.
“When Rob and I began talking, what stood out to me was the chance to help out such a storied organization,” Bennett admitted about his new chapter.
“The Lakers carry a tradition that speaks for itself, so to be connected to it and assist Rob and the Lakers in any way I can is exciting.”
This hiring follows the recent arrival of Lon Rosen as president of business operations, solidifying the “Mark Walter era,” which now features Luka Doncic as the franchise cornerstone on the court. Despite the changes, Pelinka’s position appears secure under the new administration.
With Bennett evaluating future talent, the Lakers aim to replicate the successful model Walter has implemented with the Dodgers, prioritizing the development of players with high basketball IQ..