Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi are stepping into new roles. Well, at least in a way.
Executives from the Dodgers have taken on advisory positions with the Lakers, as reported by ESPN.
The duo is expected to support Mark Walter, as the Basketball team transitions ownership from the Bass family to him.
Zaidi, who returned to the Dodgers this year as a special advisor, will represent Walter during this transition, according to ESPN.
Meanwhile, Friedman, who has been the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations for quite some time, is said to be advising Lakers president Rob Pelinka.
Both Friedman and Zaidi are known for their analytical approach, boasting decades of experience in baseball management. They are regarded as some of the smartest minds in the sport.
This development comes shortly after the Lakers let go of brothers Joey and Jesse Buss, who had been with the organization for two decades since their father Jerry’s era.
Earlier this year, Walter made headlines by purchasing a majority stake in the Lakers from the Bass family for a staggering $10 billion, making it a record for a professional sports team in the U.S.
Importantly, this deal also allows Jeanie Buss to keep her position as the team’s governor for at least the next five years.
The Buss brothers spent the last ten years working in the Lakers’ scouting department, with Joey serving as the team president and CEO of the G League’s South Bay Lakers, while Jesse held the role of scouting director.
Despite their dismissal, they will still retain minority ownership in the franchise.
Interestingly, Walter bought the Dodgers in 2012 for $2.15 billion, setting a record at that time.
Since then, the Dodgers have thrived, clinching 12 division titles and three World Series championships, surely one of the best runs in baseball history.
