Tony Bennett may have stepped away from the head coaching spotlight, but his basketball acumen remains invaluable. That’s precisely why the Los Angeles Lakers have tapped him as an advisor for their 2026 NBA Draft preparations.
Bennett's new role as NBA Draft advisor has him reporting directly to Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' president of basketball operations and general manager. It seems Bennett's influence will extend beyond just this draft.
Pelinka expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We’re thrilled and honored to welcome Tony as an advisor to the Lakers basketball operations department. As we refine and build out our NBA draft and scouting processes, we could think of no better basketball mind than Tony Bennett to have as a resource.
Tony’s track record of forming culture, with high-character, high-skill, and high-IQ players is revered and respected across all basketball circles. Tony will be an incredible asset to our basketball leadership, to our scouts and to our draft department as a whole.
We are truly excited."
Bennett's credentials speak volumes. A three-time National Coach of the Year, he began his coaching journey at Washington State and made a significant impact at the University of Virginia from 2009 to 2024, boasting a 364-136 record and a 2019 NCAA championship. Under his leadership, Virginia claimed the ACC regular season title six times and won the ACC Tournament twice.
Reflecting on his new role, Bennett shared, "When Rob and I began talking, what stood out to me was the chance to help out such a storied organization. The Lakers carry a tradition that speaks for itself, so to be connected to it and assist Rob and the Lakers in any way I can is exciting."
Beyond coaching, Bennett's basketball journey includes playing as a point guard at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay from 1988 to 1992. Drafted in the second round by the Charlotte Hornets in 1992, he spent three seasons in the NBA and two seasons overseas with the North Harbor Vikings in New Zealand. It was with the Vikings that Bennett began his coaching career, setting the stage for his storied path in basketball.