Lakers appoint Ramadas as assistant GM in strategic front-office overhaul

The Los Angeles Lakers have appointed Rohan Ramadas as assistant general manager, marking the organisation’s first major personnel move of the offseason. Ramadas, who previously served as vice president of strategy and operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, will report directly to president and general manager Rob Pelinka. The appointment underscores the Lakers’ commitment to refining its operational framework following a second consecutive 50-win season.

Pelinka, who indicated during recent exit interviews that he sought candidates with specific expertise in strategy, salary cap management, analytics, and data, has now begun to fill those vacancies. Ramadas brings a background that extends well beyond traditional basketball operations. After graduating from the University of Southern California, he spent more than a decade with the Aerospace Corporation before entering the NBA. A source within the Pelicans organisation described Ramadas as a "literal rocket scientist," noting his implementation of artificial intelligence and coded models to assist the front office during his tenure in New Orleans.

The Lakers have been actively interviewing candidates to bolster Pelinka’s front office, conducting face-to-face meetings with several prospects in Chicago during the league’s predraft camp. While Ramadas’s appointment addresses the strategic and analytical pillars of the organisation, the Lakers have indicated that the hiring process is not yet complete. Pelinka confirmed plans to recruit an additional assistant general manager to oversee player scouting, draft evaluation, and development. This second role will focus on pro scouting and player development processes, ensuring a comprehensive approach to roster construction.

Beyond immediate personnel decisions, the Lakers are looking to leverage structural advantages provided by new owner Mark Walter. Pelinka stated that the organisation intends to use the summer to explore and integrate resources made available by Walter, aiming to strengthen the operational bridge with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are the Lakers’ sister organisation, also owned by Walter, and the move suggests a broader strategy to align the two franchises’ administrative and strategic capabilities.

The appointment of Ramadas represents a significant step in the Lakers’ effort to modernise its front-office infrastructure. By prioritising candidates with backgrounds in data analytics and strategic operations, the organisation appears to be moving away from traditional scouting models alone toward a more holistic, technology-integrated approach. As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of these new resources and the completion of the assistant GM search will be critical to sustaining their competitive trajectory.