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Tony Bennett Joins Lakers as Draft Advisor, Weighs Frontcourt Options

6/24/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Tony Bennett joined the Lakers as a draft advisor for their 25th-overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
The Lakers, now equipped with Dodgers analytics, are weighing frontcourt options—including a possible Myles Turner trade—though they are not yet in the trade mix.
They scouted 11 prospects, met guards Braden Smith and Sergio de Larrea, and are eyeing wing or big-man options such as Dailyn Swain despite lacking a second-round pick.

History

Historical Context

The Oakland Athletics' 2002 season, guided by GM Billy Beane, used sabermetrics to win 103 games on a $41 million payroll and a 20-game streak, proving low-cost success. That Moneyball model inspired other clubs, and the Los Angeles Lakers now tap Los Angeles Dodgers analytics and scout Tony Bennett to apply similar cost-effective strategies.

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Story summary

Tony Bennett joined the Lakers as a draft advisor for their 25th-overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
The Lakers, now equipped with Dodgers analytics, are weighing frontcourt options—including a possible Myles Turner trade—though they are not yet in the trade mix.
They scouted 11 prospects, met guards Braden Smith and Sergio de Larrea, and are eyeing wing or big-man options such as Dailyn Swain despite lacking a second-round pick.

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