The Los Angeles Lakers added an experienced college coaching voice to their basketball operations group Wednesday, hiring former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as an NBA draft adviser to president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka.
Bennett’s role will focus on supporting the Lakers’ draft process, providing input as the organization evaluates prospects and prepares for the NBA draft.
A front-office addition with college coaching experience
Bennett is best known for his time leading Virginia, where he built a long tenure as the program’s head coach. The Lakers’ move places him in an advisory position rather than on the coaching staff, aligning his experience with the team’s personnel and scouting priorities.
The hiring comes as the Lakers continue shaping their roster-building approach through the draft and other avenues under Pelinka’s leadership.