Lakers name former UVA coach Tony Bennett as a 'draft advisor' to Rob Pelinka

Tony Bennett shocked many in 2024 when he abruptly retired as the University of Virginia's men's basketball coach just days before the season started, but it turns out he wasn't done with basketball. Bennett will serve as a "draft advisor" for the Los Angeles Lakers and general manager Rob Pelinka, the team announced Wednesday. 

The team confirmed the move in a release, with Pelinka saying the team was "thrilled and honored" to bring Bennett on board.

In a statement, Bennett said he was excited about "the chance to help out such a storied organization." The Lakers did not announce Bennett's exact responsibilities as part of the team's release. 

Prior to his surprising 2024 retirement, Bennett spent 15 seasons coaching Virginia. He put up a 364-136 record with the team, winning the 2019 NCAA championship and two AP Coach of the Year awards.

Before that, Bennett spent three years at Washington State, where he compiled a .676 winning percentage.

Over his college career, Bennett helped develop 11 different players — including Malcolm Brogdon, De'Andre Hunter and Klay Thompson — who went on to be selected in the NBA Draft. 

At the time of his 2024 retirement, Bennett cited the rise of NIL and the changing college basketball landscape as some of the reasons he chose to walk away from the game. Neither issue will be prevalent in the NBA, which may have played a role in Bennett's decision to return to basketball.

While Bennett has never held a coaching or front-office job in the NBA, he did spend three seasons in the league as a player. Bennett was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the 1922 NBA Draft. He appeared in 152 games over his playing career, averaging 3.5 points per game. 

Bennett's hiring comes a day after new Lakers business president Lon Rosen said the team will retain Pelinka as its general manager. In early February, Pelinka hinted that the team was looking to expand its front office. It made good on that promise on Wednesday with the addition of Bennett.