The Lakers hired former Virginia head coach Tony Bennett as a draft advisor to general manager Rob Pelinka. It’s not a splashy move, but it’s one that could matter come draft day, considering they let go of most of their scouting department.
Bennett isn’t just a recognizable name. He’s a national champion and one of the more respected developers of talent in college basketball over the past decade. His Virginia teams weren’t built on hype. They were built on defense, discipline, and players who understood exactly who they were. That kind of clarity tends to translate.
Getting the Draft Right
The Lakers don’t have much room for error. With cap restrictions tightening and roster spots at a premium, hitting on draft picks — even late ones — is critical. You don’t need to find a superstar every year, but you do need positive contributors.
That’s where Bennett’s experience comes in. He built a program around identifying fit and maximizing it. His teams consistently punched above their recruiting rankings because players improved. They got stronger, smarter, and more dependable. For a front office trying to surround stars with reliable role players, that perspective is useful.
Trey Murphy III and De’Andre Hunter
Bennett coached and helped develop Trey Murphy III and De’Andre Hunter, two players that the Lakers have been interested in.
Murphy grew into an elite movement shooter with length and defensive upside. Hunter was a cornerstone of Virginia’s title team and entered the league as one of the more polished two-way forwards in his class. The Lakers have been loosely connected to both players in past trade discussions.
Does this hire mean anything is imminent? Probably not. But having someone in the room who has a connection to these players doesn’t hurt.
The Bottom Line
The Lakers are bringing in someone who won at the highest level of college basketball and built his reputation on preparation and development. That doesn’t guarantee draft success, but it gives them another experienced voice in the room.
