Mark Walter, the new owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, added a new employee on Wednesday as he continues to make significant changes to the team’s corporate operations and basketball departments. In an effort to model the team after the Los Angeles Dodgers, Walter and his associates are still making changes to the front office.
Michael Spetner was designated the new Chief Strategy & Growth Officer by Walter and the organization on Wednesday, following the appointment of Lon Rosen as the Lakers’ new President of Business Operations a few weeks ago. The Lakers announced on Wednesday that Spetner, a former vice president of business strategy and analytics for the Dodgers, has joined the franchise.
Los Angeles Lakers continue front-office reshuffle with Michael Spetner hire
As he continues to bring in Dodgers personnel to help maintain the Lakers’ franchise success for the foreseeable future, it’s becoming increasingly evident that Walter is not wasting any time in reorganizing the team’s front office.
The Lakers made some changes prior to hiring Spetner on Wednesday, including the recent resignation of Tim Harris and the appointment of Lon Rosen as the new president of business operations.
Given the ongoing developments in the Lakers’ Walter era, Rosen seems to play a significant role with the team.
The official press release read:
“The Los Angeles Lakers have named Michael Spetner as Chief Strategy & Growth Officer. In this newly created role, Spetner will be responsible for leading the organization’s long-term business strategy, driving value and identifying emerging opportunities for international growth…”
It continued:
“As we look to redefine what’s possible across the sports landscape for fans and partners, we will build on the Lakers legacy and orient toward the future to consider what’s next,” said Los Angeles Lakers President of Business Operations Lon Rosen. “Michael’s leadership will help us optimize our business to ensure long-term value.”
The notice went on to say:
“Spetner spent the last decade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, most recently as the Vice President of Business Strategy & Analytics. He played a pivotal role in driving the Dodgers’ commercial opportunities, implementing new business models for rightsholders and modernizing the fan ecosystem, combining in-arena experiences with digital communities…”
It then concluded:
“At the Dodgers, Spetner emphasized international engagement, leading the Dodgers’ efforts to launch a Japan-based fan club and creating an immersive museum-style exhibition in Tokyo to celebrate the team’s history and global appeal… Spetner is a graduate of Macalester College and resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.”
Exploring Michael Spetner’s experience and other key moves shaping the Los Angeles Lakers’ new era
Spetner has worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers for the past ten years, most recently as Vice President of Business Strategy & Analytics. Spetner played a key role in the Dodgers’ economic prospects by working with Walter to modernize the fan ecosystem and adopt new business models for rightsholders.
In addition, the Lakers just hired Tony Bennett as their NBA Draft advisor, which is an intriguing decision considering his success as the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers and his viewpoint on the college basketball scene.
In addition to adding Spetner and Bennett, Rosen recently spoke to the media about the future of longstanding general manager Rob Pelinka and whether Magic Johnson will have a part in the team going forward.
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