Lakers Enlist Tony Bennett For NBA Draft Magic

Merlin sees the Los Angeles Lakers have added college coaching legend Tony Bennett as a draft advisor to GM Rob Pelinka. Bennett, who led Virginia to the 2019 national title and earned multiple Coach of the Year awards, retired in 2024 after saying, "I realized I'm no longer the best coach to lead this program in the current environment." He now brings a proven eye for fit and character to Los Angeles' draft room. Merlin senses the hire is about judgment and culture more than scouting volume. Bennett’s teams were defined by defense, spacing and players who buy in, so expect the Lakers to favor pro-ready, high-character prospects who fit a team-first system. His voice could nudge Pelinka toward safer, cleaner fits rather than boom-or-bust talent.