The Los Angeles Lakers have hired former University of Virginia head coach Tony Bennett as an NBA draft advisor, the team announced in a press release.
A longtime college coach will work with the basketball operations department as the organization looks to strengthen its scouting and draft evaluation process.
President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka praised the addition, highlighting Bennett’s reputation for developing high-level players and building strong team culture.
“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.”
Bennett briefly played in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets before building a highly successful coaching career.
After assistant roles at Wisconsin and Washington State, he became head coach at Washington State and later spent 15 seasons at Virginia, compiling a 364-136 record and leading the Cavaliers to the 2019 national championship.
He was named Naismith College Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2018.
The hire comes as the Lakers expand their front office structure under new controlling owner Mark Walter, who is aiming to build a deeper basketball operations group.
Bennett is expected to be one of several additions as the franchise reshapes its organizational approach.
The Lakers currently hold one pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, projected to be around 21st overall.
ICYMI: Tony Bennett is joining the Lakers as a draft advisor. More: https://t.co/abz1gcofnL
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 26, 2026
