The move opened some eyes as Bennett is an extremely respected person who had great success in the college ranks. He took two programs in Virginia, as well as Washington State, to new levels and coached and developed a number of players who would go on to NBA success, including Klay Thompson, Trey Murphy III, Malcolm Brogdon and De’Andre Hunter.

But in his role as draft advisor, Bennett will not be taking on a lead role in the scouting department or draft room itself. But instead, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Bennett’s eye for identifying specific types of players will be utilized as the Lakers look to increase their stock of young, promising players:

Bennett, a team source said, will not be leading the Lakers’ draft room or scouting. Instead, Bennett’s experience in finding players who possess toughness, energy and IQ will aid in the Lakers’ search as they restock an empty-ish cupboard of young talent.

There was a time when the Lakers’ scouting and drafting department was one of the biggest strengths in the organization. The team regularly found players in the late-first or second rounds of the draft that would go on to be excellent players in the NBA, such as Josh Hart, Jordan Clarkson, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac and Larry Nance Jr.

Oftentimes, those players would be used in trades to acquire a superstar, but that also means that these young players were talented enough to warrant inclusion in such deals. These days, the Lakers’ stock of young players is basically empty. Dalton Knecht’s value has plummeted, which leaves rookie Adou Thiero, who has battled injury in his first season, as the lone young player with some real potential on this roster.

Bennett’s teams in college were known for their defense, toughness and high IQ who played together and embraced their roles and he ultimately led Virginia to the National Championship in 2019. If he can help to find some of those players who have those same qualities he will be a great benefit to this Lakers franchise.

Lakers center Deandre Ayton doesn’t want to be placed in Clint Capela role

When it comes to the current Lakers roster one of the biggest keys to success is the play of center Deandre Ayton. And the big man recently let it be known that he does not want to be placed in rim-running role that Clint Capela once held for the Houston Rockets.

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Bennett was a three-time National Coach of the Year at Virginia and Washington State University, but is most known for his time with the Cavaliers whom he led to a national championship in 2019. He is UVA’s all-time leader in coaching victories and is one of just three coaches to be named ACC Coach of the Year four times, along with Mike Krzyzewski and Dean Smith.

“We’re thrilled and honored to welcome Tony as an advisor to the Lakers basketball operations department,” Pelinka said.  “As we refine and build out our NBA draft and scouting processes, 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.”

With Mark Walter officially taking over as owner of the Lakers, it has been spoken about that the franchise would be undergoing some organizational changes and really building out their front office under Pelinka and Bennett represents a great addition to an important piece of the puzzle in drafting the right players.

“When Rob and I began talking, what stood out to me was the chance to help out such a storied organization,” Bennett said. “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 compiled a .719 win percentage over 18 seasons at Washington State and Virginia, producing 13 players who would go on to be drafted Klay Thompson, De’Andre Hunter and Malcolm Brogdon. Prior to getting into coaching Bennett was the 35th overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft and played four seasons in the NBA, three of those coming with the Charlotte Hornets.

Lon Rosen outlines Magic Johnson’s involvement with Lakers

The Lakers also made another big hire with Lon Rosen taking over as President of Business Operations. Rosen has ties with the Lakers and specifically the legendary Magic Johnson whom Rosen says will be around the team, but won’t have any day-to-day involvement.

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