Los Angeles Lakers hire Tony Bennett as NBA draft advisor to Rob Pelinka

The Los Angeles Lakers have bolstered their front office with a significant addition, hiring former University of Virginia head coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor to president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka. The move signals the franchise’s continued commitment to strengthening its scouting infrastructure and long-term roster construction strategy.

Bennett, one of the most respected figures in college basketball over the past two decades, brings a championship résumé and a reputation for culture-building to one of the league’s most storied organizations. His addition comes at a time when the Lakers are placing renewed emphasis on maximizing draft value and identifying high-character prospects who fit the franchise’s standards both on and off the court.

“We are thrilled and honored to welcome Tony as an advisor to the Lakers basketball operations department. As we refine and build out our NBA draft and scouting process, we could think of no better basketball mind than Tony Bennett to have as a resource. Tony’s track record of forming culture, with high-character, high-skill and high-IQ players is revered and respected across all basketball circles.Tony will be an incredible asset to our basketball leadership, to our scouts and to our draft department as a whole. We are truly excited,” a statement from Pelinka read.

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Bennett’s coaching pedigree is deeply rooted at the National Collegiate Athletic Association level, where he built Virginia into a perennial powerhouse from 2000 to 2024. During his tenure, the Cavaliers captured six ACC regular-season championships and established a national identity centered on disciplined defense, deliberate tempo and player development. His ability to cultivate cohesion and accountability became a hallmark of the program.

Former UVA coach Tony Bennett will be the Lakers NBA Draft advisor pic.twitter.com/v91KD3jgdX

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 25, 2026

Over the course of his career, Bennett was named national coach of the year three times — in 2007, 2015 and 2018 — reflecting the consistent excellence and competitive edge his teams displayed. His crowning achievement came in 2019, when he guided Virginia to the NCAA championship, completing one of the most remarkable redemption arcs in college basketball history. In doing so, Bennett joined rare company, becoming just the fourth NBA player to win the NCAA title as a head coach.

Beyond wins and accolades, Bennett is widely praised for his emphasis on character, leadership and basketball IQ — traits that align closely with the Lakers’ stated goal of building sustainable success through smart drafting and player evaluation. His experience assessing collegiate talent, understanding developmental trajectories and fostering winning habits is expected to provide valuable insight as the Lakers navigate future draft cycles.

“When Rob and I began talking, what stood out to me was the chance to help out such a storied organization. The Lakers carry a tradition that speaks for itself, so to be connected to it and assist Rob and the Lakers in any way I can is exciting,” Bennett added.

The Lakers currently hold a 2026 first-round draft pick, and Bennett’s evaluative eye could prove instrumental in identifying a prospect capable of contributing to the franchise’s next competitive window. With the Western Conference landscape evolving and roster-building increasingly dependent on hitting on draft selections, the organization’s investment in experienced basketball minds reflects a forward-thinking approach.

For a franchise defined by championships and iconic figures, the addition of Bennett represents another calculated step toward blending tradition with strategic innovation. As the Lakers continue refining their draft and scouting processes, all eyes will be on how Bennett’s philosophy and expertise translate from the collegiate sidelines to the NBA front office.

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