Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman & Farhan Zaidi Joining Lakers in Advisory Roles
LOS ANGELES, CA—After the conclusion of the 2025 World Series, in which the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their third championship under controlling owner Mark Walter, the ownership group began its next endeavor: purchasing the Los Angeles Lakers.
Before the start of the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers were officially sold to Mark Walter from the Buss Family and approved by all NBA owners.
Although Jeanie Buss will continue as Lakers governor for several more years, there is speculation, if not an expectation, that Walter’s new ownership will bring about changes.
However, the first significant move made by Walter was relieving Joey and Jesse Buss of their duties within the organization, as well as a majority of the Lakers’ scouting department.
It should also be noted that earlier this year, the two brothers voted against selling to Walter.
Walter is appointing two recognizable figures from the Dodgers organization—President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and former General Manager Farhan Zaidi—to assist with the ownership transition, as reported by Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman, two key executives with the Los Angeles Dodgers, have begun playing advisory roles with the Los Angeles Lakers as part of the ownership transition from the Buss family to Mark Walter, multiple sources told ESPN.
When the Lakers’ sale to Walter was announced, many believed he would run the storied NBA franchise similarly to the Dodgers. This included offering strong financial support for the Dodgers and building a robust organizational structure.
Friedman has played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ consecutive World Series wins and is a figure Shohei Ohtani notably referenced in his contract with a key-man clause.
Zaidi rejoined the Dodgers organization this past February as a special advisor to Walter’s diverse business operations.
Both members will continue their roles with the Dodgers. As the 2026 offseason progresses, it remains unclear how this will affect Friedman’s daily responsibilities as the team works to fill roster gaps before pursuing a three-peat.
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