URGENT UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers are actively seeking to reinvent their basketball operations by collaborating with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning back-to-back World Series champions. This partnership was confirmed by Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka just hours before their game against the Golden State Warriors on February 7, 2026.
Pelinka’s comments come on the heels of the official transfer of ownership, with Dodgers owner Mark Walter purchasing the Lakers at a staggering valuation of $10 billion in late October 2025. This partnership aims to leverage the Dodgers’ successful business model and championship strategies to bolster the Lakers’ performance moving forward.
“It’s been great to have outside allies and advocates,” Pelinka stated, highlighting the benefits of consulting with Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations. “He’s incredibly smart and has done an amazing job bringing championships to the Dodgers.” Pelinka emphasized the invaluable resource Friedman’s insights provide, particularly in making roster and staff decisions.
Lakers acting governor Jeanie Buss will maintain her leadership role for at least four more seasons. Pelinka revealed that discussions with Walter have focused on aggressive growth strategies, modeled after the Dodgers’ successful blueprint. “Looking at the Dodgers and how they built it out has been a great example and North Star,” he added.
The Lakers are also in the midst of restructuring their front office, which has faced significant changes since Magic Johnson resigned in 2019. Pelinka is committed to expanding the team’s personnel, stating, “The way the Dodgers have built out their front office is something we aspire to match.”
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Lakers are strategically preparing for roster changes. Pelinka confirmed the team’s recent trade, acquiring sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick. “Adding the best shooter in the game is a great opportunity, so we seized it,” he said.
In a proactive move, Pelinka also addressed the challenges presented by the NBA’s new dual-apron system, which has created a stricter financial landscape for teams. “Creating optionality is a positive thing for us this coming offseason,” he remarked, highlighting the potential for valuable players to become available as other teams navigate salary cap constraints.
Looking ahead, the Lakers have three future first-round picks and are projected to have nearly $50 million in cap space for the summer. “We see many different ways to complete our roster,” Pelinka concluded, indicating a robust strategy for the upcoming offseason.
As the Lakers aim to mirror the success of the Dodgers, fans are eager to see how these new strategies will unfold and impact the team’s performance in the coming months.
