Key Dodgers Figures Assume Roles in Lakers Transition
In a strategic move that merges the world of baseball and basketball, Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman, prominent figures from the Los Angeles Dodgers, have been appointed to advise the Los Angeles Lakers. This transition comes in the context of the ownership change from the Buss family to Mark Walter, according to multiple sources. Zaidi, currently a special advisor to the Dodgers and recognized for his expertise in data analysis, is acting as Walter’s representative to facilitate the transition. Friedman, president of baseball operations for the Dodgers, has taken on a smaller role, primarily advising Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka.Zaidi and Friedman are functioning as senior executives of TWG Sports, providing support to the Lakers following the completion of the team’s sale last month. Zaidi has also been advising the Los Angeles Sparks, a WNBA team owned by Walter and TWG Sports. On Thursday, the Lakers terminated the contracts of several members of their scouting department, including Joey and Jesse Buss. Mark Walter was approved as the new majority owner of the Lakers on October 29. The sale of the team was valued at 10 billion dollars. As part of the agreement, Jeanie Buss will remain as team governor for at least the next five years.Both teams, Lakers and Dodgers, are destined to be part of TWG Sports, the entity created by Walter to oversee his sports assets.
