New Los Angeles Lakers owner Mark Walter continues to make big changes to the organization’s basketball and business operations department, and he made another change to his new staff on Wednesday.
Following the hiring of Lon Rosen as the Lakers’ new President of Business Operations a few weeks ago, Walter and the organization announced on Wednesday that Michael Spetsner has been named the new Chief Strategy and Development Officer.
Spetsner has spent the last decade of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, most recently holding the position of Vice President of Business Strategy and Analytics for the organization. Working with Walter for the Dodgers, Spetsner played a key role in identifying commercial opportunities for the franchise, implementing new business models for rights holders, and modernizing the fan ecosystem.
In this newly created role with the Lakers, Spetsner will lead the organization’s long-term business strategy to drive value and identify international growth opportunities.
“As we look to redefine what’s possible across the sports landscape for fans and partners, we will build on the Lakers’ legacy and look to the future to see what’s next,” Rosen said in the team’s press release. “Michael’s leadership will help us optimize our business to ensure long-term value.”
This role designed for Spetsner appears to be a continuation of what he was doing with the Dodgers, as he did a lot of work with international engagement and led L.A.’s efforts to launch a Japan-based fan club. He was also instrumental in helping create a massive museum-style exhibit in Tokyo to celebrate the Dodgers’ history and global appeal.
The Lakers announced the hiring of Spetsner just one week after adding former NCAA champion and Virginia basketball head coach Tony Bennett as the organization’s new NBA Draft advisor.
In this role, Bennett will play a key role alongside executive Rob Pelinka in the Lakers’ decisions during and before the draft, assisting with player evaluation, scouting and the final decision on who the organization should select.
As far as Pelinka’s role in leading the team is concerned, Walter and Rosen have made it clear that they do not want to make any changes to the executive’s position and ability to usher in a new era of success for the Lakers.
“I just run the business side, Rob has the authority to do what he does,” Rosen said, via ESPN. “Look, I have a great relationship with Rob. I’ve known Rob Pelinka since he was representing Kobe [Bryant]. I met him many, many years ago.”
Since purchasing the Lakers from Jenny Buss and her family, Walter has continued to position this historic organization for success by making key decisions on the business side of basketball. Spetsner is the latest name to join this newly revamped staff, which features plenty of faces who have turned the Dodgers into MLB’s marquee powerhouse.
Walter aims to do the same in the NBA with the Lakers.
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