Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman, two key executives with the Los Angeles Dodgers, have taken on advisory roles with the Los Angeles Lakers as part of the ownership transition to Mark Walter, multiple sources told ESPN. Zaidi serves as Walter’s representative during the transition, while Friedman primarily consults with Lakers president Rob Pelinka.
Zaidi currently serves as a special advisor to the Dodgers and is known for his analytical background. Sources close to the situation say he is helping to oversee the transition process on Walter’s behalf. Zaidi has also consulted with the Los Angeles Sparks, Walter’s WNBA team and TWG Sports.
Friedman, the Dodgers’ baseball director, has played a smaller role in the transition to the Lakers. He has helped the Dodgers win three of the past six World Series. His involvement focuses on consultations with Pelinka regarding basketball operations.
Both the Lakers and Dodgers are expected to become part of TWG Sports, the entity Walter created to oversee his sports businesses. Zaidi and Friedman will serve as senior executives of TWG Sports following the closing of the Lakers sale last month. Walter was approved as the new majority shareholder on October 29 in a deal worth $10 billion.
The Lakers fired several members of their scouting department on Thursday, including Joey and Jesse Buss. The brothers confirmed the firings to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The moves represent the first significant personnel changes under Walter’s ownership.
As part of the ownership deal, Jeanie Buss will remain the team’s governor for the next five years. The arrangement provides continuity while Walter takes control of basketball operations decisions. The integration of Dodgers executives signals a data-driven approach to the Lakers’ future direction.
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