The Lakers are planning a front office overhaul, and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka made it clear the model they’re studying sits across town.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s win over Golden State, Pelinka said the organization expects to add several front office members this offseason.
The goal is depth. Real depth. And the inspiration is the Los Angeles Dodgers, the other L.A. franchise owned by Mark Walter.
“The baseball system and the NBA system are totally different,” Pelinka said. “That said, just their draft process and how they’ve established their farm system is amazing.
“And then the way they’ve built out their front office. There is no expense they’ll spare in being the best front office in the world.”
That’s notable, because the Lakers currently operate with one of the leanest basketball ops staffs in the league. That’s not changing.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Pelinka has already been in contact with Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman to compare notes and share best practices.
“He’s so incredibly smart,” Pelinka said. “Whether it’s a roster move or a staff move, having someone like that to talk to has been an incredible resource.”
Pelinka also clarified the power structure moving forward. Despite becoming a minority stakeholder following the October sale, Jeanie Buss remains firmly in charge.
“Led by myself and Jeanie,” Pelinka said. “And with Mark’s support.”
In short, the Lakers aren’t just thinking stars anymore. They’re thinking infrastructure.
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