Overview
- Los Angeles announced Bennett will advise president of basketball operations and GM Rob Pelinka on draft evaluations and the refinement of scouting processes.
- The hire is part of a broader front-office expansion under majority owner Mark Walter, which recently added Lon Rosen as president of business operations and Dodgers-linked advisers.
- Bennett, 56, led Virginia to the 2019 national championship and compiled a 364-136 record there after three seasons as Washington State’s head coach.
- His college teams produced 13 NBA draft picks, including Malcolm Brogdon, Joe Harris, De’Andre Hunter and Trey Murphy III.
- With the Lakers holding their own 2026 first-round pick, Bennett is expected to help shape the club’s draft board for this summer.