Los Angeles Lakers add former NASA engineer Rohan Ramadas as assistant general manager

The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Rohan Ramadas as an assistant general manager under president and GM Rob Pelinka. Ramadas previously served as the New Orleans Pelicans' vice president of strategy and operations and spent more than a decade working for the Aerospace Corporation, the U.S. Space Force and NASA as a rocket guidance, navigation, control and mission‑design engineer.

Described by a source as “a literal rocket scientist,” Ramadas brings experience in building AI and analytical models for NBA front offices. The Lakers expect him to focus on salary‑cap strategy, analytics and data as they plan roster moves in a pivotal offseason that includes the pending free‑agency status of LeBron James and the emerging role of Luka Dončić.

The hire follows Ramadas' earlier roles with the Pelicans, including senior director of analytics and innovation, and a stint as a draft analyst for the Miami Heat during the 2016‑17 season.