The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Dr. Leroy Sims as their new Director of Player Performance and Health. Dr. Sims, MD, MSc, CAQSM, FACEP, will oversee player medical care and performance optimization for the team.
Dr. Sims joins the Lakers from the NBA, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of Medical Operations. In that role, he developed health and safety protocols and assessed medical technologies for basketball.
He is known for his work during the NBA Bubble in 2020, where he was instrumental in managing medical operations. Dr. Sims also provided medical support for USA Track and Field at the 2016 Rio Olympics and for USA Basketball at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
Dr. Sims’ experience includes serving as the medical director and team physician for the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2014. His extensive background in both emergency medicine and sports medicine will be a significant asset to the Lakers.
He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Stanford University, followed by his Doctor of Medicine degree from Stanford School of Medicine. Dr. Sims completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
In his new role with the Lakers, Dr. Sims will report to Rob Pelinka, Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager. He will focus on enhancing player health and performance, crucial for the team’s success.
