Lakers Tap Dodgers Dynasty for Franchise Guidance

GM Rob Pelinka reveals new strategy based on L.A. baseball team's success

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to the city's resident sports dynasty, the Los Angeles Dodgers, for guidance on how to build a championship-caliber franchise. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said he has been collaborating with Dodgers GM Andrew Friedman to learn from the Dodgers' recent success, which includes two World Series titles since 2024. Pelinka also noted that new Lakers majority owner Mark Walter will work closely with team governor Jeanie Buss to further support the Lakers organization.

Why it matters

The Lakers are seeking to emulate the Dodgers' model of sustained excellence, which has seen the baseball team become one of the most dominant franchises in its sport. By tapping into the Dodgers' expertise, the Lakers hope to end their recent struggles and return to championship contention, potentially tying the Boston Celtics for the most NBA titles.

The details

Pelinka revealed that he has been meeting with Friedman to discuss "roster moves, staff moves" and other "best practices" that have helped the Dodgers build their dynasty. The Dodgers have gone 191-133 in the regular season since 2024, winning two World Series titles and landing top free agents like Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Tucker. Lakers owner Mark Walter, who now owns a majority stake in the Lakers, will also work closely with team governor Jeanie Buss to provide additional support to the basketball franchise.

  • The Lakers currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 32-19 record this season.

The players

Rob Pelinka

The general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Andrew Friedman

The general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has helped build the Dodgers into one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball.

Mark Walter

The majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, who will work closely with Lakers governor Jeanie Buss to provide additional support to the team.

Jeanie Buss

The acting governor of the Los Angeles Lakers, who will continue in that role for at least four more seasons after 2025-26.

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What they’re saying

“[It's] been great to have sort of outside allies and advocates looking at the Dodgers and the success they've had and what they've built over there, and being able to tap into a person like Andrew Friedman for best practices...He's so incredibly smart and has done such an amazing job bringing championships to the Dodgers. So just to have another head of another team that you can, whether it's a roster move, whether it's a staff move, just someone that you can talk to has been an incredible resource.”

— Rob Pelinka, Lakers GM (ESPN)

What’s next

Pelinka, Walter, and Buss will continue to work together to implement strategies and best practices learned from the Dodgers' success in order to help the Lakers return to championship contention.

The takeaway

The Lakers' partnership with the Dodgers represents a new approach for the iconic NBA franchise, as they seek to emulate the sustained excellence and championship pedigree of their city's other dominant sports team. By tapping into the Dodgers' expertise, the Lakers hope to end their recent struggles and reclaim their status as one of the NBA's premier franchises.