The Los Angeles Lakers have hired a rocket scientist, according to ESPN.
There is no evidence he actually will be building rockets, although apparently his aerospace skills do translate to basketball.
The scientist, Rohan Ramadas, has been hired to serve as an assistant general manager under Lakers president and general manager Rob Pelinka.
Advertisement
Ramadas worked last as vice president of strategy and operations for the New Orleans Pelicans.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he spent 12 years with The Aerospace Corporation.
ESPN quoted a Pelicans source as saying of Ramadas, “He’s a literal rocket scientist.”
In September 2024, Ramadas joined the Pelicans as Senior Director of Analytics and Innovation, according to his LinkedIn profile, which indicates he was promoted to the strategy and operations position a year ago.
With the Pelicans, Ramadas implemented AI and coded models to aid the front office, according to ESPN, which reported he will be focused on similar responsibilities for the Lakers that he had with the Pelicans.
Advertisement
The Lakers are expected to hire another assistant general manager, with the staff expanding a year after Mark Walter, majority owner of the Dodgers, bought the Lakers for $10 billion. And maybe it really does take a rocket scientist for the franchise to win its first NBA title since 2020 and 18th overall.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers hire rocket scientist with AI, analytics skills, per report
