Lakers hire ‘literal rocket scientist’ as new assistant GM

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Lakers hire ‘literal rocket scientist’ as new assistant GM

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By James Parker | Last updated May 25, 2026 1:24 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are getting their offseason started by bringing on a new addition to the front office.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, they are hiring New Orleans Pelicans vice president of strategy and operations Rohan Ramadas to be the new assistant general manager.

The Los Angeles Lakers are hiring former New Orleans Pelicans vice president of strategy and operations Rohan Ramadas as an assistant general manager under president Rob Pelinka, sources tell me and @mcten. The Lakers have interviewed candidates to bolster their front office.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 25, 2026

Ramadas graduate from the University of Southern California with degrees in astronautical engineering. He went on to spend over a decade working with the Aerospace Corporation, U.S. Space Force, and NASA.

“He’s a literal rocket scientist,” a Pelicans source told ESPN.

After nearly a decade working in the NBA, he’s spent the last two years working for the Pelicans in a full-time role, using AI and coded models to assist and advise front office decisions.

Ramadas will reportedly work directly under general manager Rob Pelinka, who plans to hire another assistant GM soon. That new assistant will focus less on analytics and more on draft scouting and player evaluations.

With new ownership and a roster that looks wildly different than it did just two seasons ago, this offseason is especially crucial for the Lakers.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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