Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ hiring of Tony Bennett as a draft advisor, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports that the longtime Virginia head coach will not oversee the team’s draft room or scouting operations.
Instead, Bennett is expected to serve in a supporting capacity, with the organization valuing his history of identifying players who bring “toughness, energy and IQ,” traits the Lakers hope to prioritize as they rebuild their young talent pipeline.
Woike also notes that the Lakers are looking to reshape multiple areas of their front office under new majority owner Mark Walter.
The plans include restructuring the college scouting staff, building a more “modern” pro scouting department, and expanding the team’s analytics group as part of broader organizational changes.
Lakers Notes: Ayton, Bennett, Front Office, Reaves https://t.co/HibjkuFUCa pic.twitter.com/ArCOqpYz86
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 27, 2026
