The Los Angeles Lakers have officially made their first major front office move of the offseason, hiring Rohan Ramadas as assistant general manager under president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, according to ESPN.Ramadas arrives in Los Angeles after previously serving as vice president of strategy and operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, where he built a strong reputation around analytics, AI integration and front office modeling.The Lakers decision signals a continued push toward expanding the organizations use of analytics and modern basketball strategy following back-to-back 50-win seasons.More on the strategy side, Pelinka said while discussing the role during the Lakers exit interviews last week. Cap, analytics and data.Before entering the NBA, Ramadas spent more than a decade working with the Aerospace Corporation after graduating from the University of Southern California. His unique background quickly became a talking point around league circles once the hire became public.Hes a literal rocket scientist, a Pelicans source told ESPN.While with New Orleans, Ramadas reportedly helped implement AI systems and coded analytical models designed to assist decision-making throughout the organization.The Lakers now appear eager to bring those same ideas into their own front office as they continue reshaping operations around LeBron James and Luka Doncic.The Lakers have spent recent weeks interviewing multiple candidates to strengthen Pelinkas staff, including meetings held during the NBAs predraft camp in Chicago.But the organization is reportedly not finished adding executives.Pelinka also confirmed the franchise plans to hire another assistant general manager focused specifically on scouting and player evaluation.Related Article: Jared McCain Recalls Emotional Whirlwind of Being Traded to OKCThat persons role will entail pro scouting, draft scouting, player development, Pelinka explained.The Lakers are entering a massive offseason after another early playoff exit, and much of the focus appears centered on modernizing the franchise behind the scenes while maximizing resources under new owner Mark Walter.Pelinka also hinted at stronger collaboration between the Lakers and Walters other major sports franchise in Los Angeles.The Lakers plan to further strengthen the bridge that exists with their brother-sister organization, the Los Angeles Dodgers.READ MORE: OG Anunoby Robbed of NBA First-Team All-Defense Spot: Mike Brown
