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Lakers Hire NCAA National Championship-Winning Coach in NBA Draft Role
Tony Bennett joins Los Angeles front office as it prepares for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:23pm
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The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Tony Bennett, the former head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers, as an advisor for their basketball operations department. Bennett, who led Virginia to the NCAA National Championship in 2019, will assist the Lakers with their NBA draft and scouting processes as the team looks to build for the future.
Why it matters
Bennett's track record of developing high-character, high-skill, and high-IQ players at the college level is highly respected across basketball circles. His addition to the Lakers' front office could help the team identify and draft talented players who fit their culture and needs as they look to return to championship contention.
The details
After stepping away from coaching in 2024, Bennett is re-entering the basketball world, this time at the professional level. As the Lakers prepare for the 2026 NBA Draft, which is expected to be a loaded class, the team is bringing in Bennett to serve as an advisor to their basketball operations department. Lakers president Rob Pelinka cited Bennett's ability to 'form culture' and identify high-caliber players as key reasons for the hire.
- Tony Bennett stepped down as Virginia's head coach in 2024, citing changes in the sport.
- The Lakers announced Bennett's hiring as an advisor on February 25, 2026.
The players
Tony Bennett
The former head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers, who led the team to the NCAA National Championship in 2019.
Rob Pelinka
The president of the Los Angeles Lakers, who announced Bennett's hiring as an advisor to the team's basketball operations department.
What they’re saying
“We're thrilled and honored to welcome Tony as an advisor to the Lakers basketball operations department. 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.”
— Rob Pelinka, President, Los Angeles Lakers
What’s next
The Lakers will look to leverage Bennett's expertise in player evaluation and development as they prepare for the 2026 NBA Draft, which is expected to be a deep and talented class.
The takeaway
The Lakers' hire of Tony Bennett, a proven winner and developer of talent at the college level, signals the team's commitment to building a sustainable, high-character roster through the draft. Bennett's addition to the front office could pay dividends as the Lakers look to return to championship contention.
