The Los Angeles Lakers are in a state of upheaval. Since Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter acquired the team, he has continued to reshuffle the team’s executives, bringing in many who have worked with the Dodgers. Now, President of Basketball Operations Lon Rosen has announced the latest hire in that reshaping.

The transformation is happening at the top of one of the most valuable franchises in sports, with Forbes recently valuing the Lakers at roughly $10 billion.

Through a press release, the Lakers announced that they had hired former Dodgers vice president of business strategy and analytics, Michael Spetner, in a new role as their chief strategy and growth officer. The position reportedly involves “leading the organization’s long-term business strategy, driving value, and identifying emerging opportunities for international growth.”

“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,” Rosen said in the press release. “Michael’s leadership will help us optimize our business to ensure long-term value.”

The move is largely about modernization. During nearly a decade with the Dodgers, Spetner helped design business strategies that expanded commercial partnerships while connecting in-stadium experiences with growing digital communities.

That experience is particularly valuable for the Lakers, as Spetner played a key role in expanding the Dodgers’ international presence. He was the driving force behind the launch of a Japan-based Dodgers fan club and eventually helped lead the creation of a museum-like exhibition in Tokyo to showcase the Dodgers’ global appeal.

Rosen has seen this firsthand during his time as the Dodgers’ chief marketing officer and executive vice president.

Spetner follows fellow Dodgers execs Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman, who are serving advisory roles in the front office, as well as Rosen, as the latest former Dodger to join the Lakers under Walter.

Los Angeles Lakers Look to Global Growth With Lon Rosen and Michael Spetner

The Lakers are already one of the most recognizable brands in the NBA and global sports.

Now, Lon Rosen and, by extension, Michael Spetner, are helping LA position itself as an international entertainment enterprise. Rosen has not been shy about the Lakers’ marketability.

“I only dream that we would have the reach that the Lakers have,” Rosen said a few days ago. “Let’s face it, having Luka Doncic doesn’t hurt at all. I mean, he’s one of the most popular players in the world, and we want to, obviously, you know, jump on his shoulders and see what we can reach out there.”

The move reinforces Mark Walter’s strategy of reshaping the Lakers’ front office in the image of the Dodgers — betting that the same global business blueprint can elevate the NBA’s most iconic franchise even further.