The Los Angeles Lakers filled their first assistant general manager position Monday, adding Rohan Ramadas, the former vice president of strategy and operations for the New Orleans Pelicans. ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report the news on X.
Lakers Hire Pelicans Exec, ‘Literal Rocket Scientist’ as Assistant GM
Rohan Ramadas’ Background, Expected Role With Lakers
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Ramadas will retain a similar strategic role with the Lakers under president/GM Rob Pelinka, helping the front office with regard to cap space, data and analytics.
I can confirm the Lakers have hired Rohan Ramadas as an assistant general manager. Ramadas worked for the New Orleans Pelicans the past two seasons in strategy and has a background in aerospace. Regarded as very smart by people in the league who know him.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) May 25, 2026
Really one of the smartest people in the business. Fantastic hire https://t.co/LvuiS7xo95
— Shamit Dua (@FearTheBrown) May 25, 2026
A graduate of the University of Southern California, Ramadas spent 12 years with The Aerospace Corporation before joining the New Orleans Pelicans in 2024 as the senior director of analytics and innovation. He was promoted to vice president last May. McMenamin noted that Ramadas “implemented AI and coded models to aid the front office.” Referring to his aerospace background, a Pelicans source told ESPN: “He’s a literal rocket scientist.”
The Lakers’ other AGM position, which will focus on player evaluation and development, has yet to be filled. Pelinka described both roles as “key pillars” of the organization, part of the Lakers’ vision to expand the front office ahead of the draft and free agency.
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