The Los Angeles Lakers announced the hiring of former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as coach NBA draft advisor, as the former national championship-winning coach will lend his eye for college talent to help general manager Rob Pelinka as the Lakers create their big board for the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Lakers are entering a new era under the leadership of Mark Walter, and with it there has been more investment in bringing in outside votes. Under Jeanie Buss, the Lakers had a much smaller operation that relied on those within Buss’ circle of trust. Whether Bennett’s arrival comes at Walter’s specific request, or is simply part of a greater willingness to expand the operation, he will provide the Lakers with a unique perspective on scouting at the college level.
Bennett’s new role as a consultant with the Lakers is his first official role with a basketball team since his shocking retirement at age 55 ahead of the 2025 season.
Bennett coached at Virginia from 2009 to 2024, leading the Cavaliers to a 364-136 overall record with two ACC tournament titles, six ACC regular season titles, 10 NCAA tournament appearances and a national championship in 2019. Bennett’s Virginia program produced five first-round picks – Justin Anderson, Ty Jerome, De’Andre Hunter, Trey Murphy III and Ryan Dunn – and he also coached Klay Thompson in Washington Mention this before you leave for Virginia.
The Lakers hold their own first-round pick and haven’t had tremendous success in the draft in recent years. Some of that is due to the fact that they didn’t have a first-round pick in 2025 and 2022 due to trades, but in 2023 and 2024 they took Jalen Hood-Schifino and Dalton Knecht — both selected at No. 17 overall — and neither had a positive impact on the Lakers’ rotation.
With Luka Dončić as the new star LA is trying to build around and a cap sheet that will brighten up immensely over the next two years, the Lakers will look to finally make their first-round pick in 2026 and get a cost-controlled rotation piece to add to their core. They will rely on Bennett’s eye for the college game to try to find more success with their picks this year, as their lack of picks in 2027 and 2029 makes it even more important to capitalize on this year’s opportunity in a strong draft class.
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