Lakers’ Offseason Begins Amid Changes After Playoffs
The Lakers’ 2025-26 season concluded with a Game 4 defeat to the Thunder, prompting basketball operations president Rob Pelinka to describe the upcoming phase as one of “deconstruction.” The aim is to explore avenues for the team’s growth following a four-game sweep dealt by the defending champions.
Reconstruction efforts are set to unfold both within the El Segundo practice facility and at the front office. Recent months have already seen changes, especially since the team was purchased by Dodgers owner Mark Walter last October.
During a media session with coach JJ Redick, Pelinka revealed that the organization is currently interviewing candidates for two assistant general manager roles. One will focus on player evaluation, including pro and draft scouting as well as player development. The other will take a more strategic approach, dealing with salary caps, analytics, and data.
Pelinka’s remarks mirrored his earlier statements from February, emphasizing that he, alongside former majority owner Jeanie Buss and Walter’s backing, would steer the offseason transformations. He mentioned that the team isn’t necessarily short-handed, but there’s a desire to enhance the existing structure.
Significant adjustments had already been made in the fall, including the dismissal of Joe and Jesse Buss from their front office roles, where Joe served as vice president of research and development and Jesse was the deputy general manager and director of scouting. Additionally, most of the scouting department was let go.
Since those shifts, the Lakers have welcomed several new hires, such as Ron Rosen as head of business operations, Michael Spetner as chief strategy and growth officer, and Ryan Canter as vice president of global partnerships. Notably, all three have backgrounds with the Dodgers.
On the basketball side, former Virginia coach Tony Bennett was brought in as an NBA Draft advisor back in February. Additionally, Dodgers executives Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman have taken on advisory roles with the Lakers since November.
Pelinka indicated that the organization is actively pursuing more hires, though details on data, strategy, analytics, and medical scouting additions remain undisclosed. A significant change involves hiring an assistant manager who will answer directly to Pelinka, who was elevated to his current role as part of last year’s contract extension with coach Reddick.
“These are the key positions we aim to fill this offseason,” Pelinka clarified.
Beyond roster adjustments, the Lakers anticipate other internal changes that will foster improvement. The relocation of the G League team to the Coachella Valley also opens opportunities to enhance their practice facility.
“In the back, we’re collaborating with some members from the Dodgers to introduce a biomechanics lab, a movement lab, and a recovery lab. These upgrades are costly but carefully planned,” Pelinka stated. “We’re aiming for a complete overhaul of that side of the court, enhancing what’s already successful to reach new heights. The renovations will continue throughout the offseason, ideally culminating around the Summer League in Las Vegas.”
Next season will see a transformed Lakers team, extending beyond expected roster changes. The hope is these efforts will better position them for championship contention and lay the groundwork for sustained excellence.
