The Los Angeles Lakers have continued their front office restructuring with the official announcement of two new hires: Eric Amsler as assistant general manager and Keith D’Amelio as director of integrated performance systems.
These appointments mark the first significant additions since businessman Josh Kushner and former Disney executive Bob Iger agreed to acquire majority ownership of the team from Mark Walter for a reported $12.5 billion.
"Continuing to invest in and strengthen our basketball operations group is a top priority as we build for the long-term success of our team and players," Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka stated. "Eric and Keith bring a wealth of experience that will add valuable expertise across our organization. Eric is a highly respected talent evaluator with an extensive background in scouting and player personnel, while Keith brings a unique perspective at the intersection of athlete health, performance, sport science and technology. We are excited to welcome them both to the Lakers."
Experience and Backgrounds
D’Amelio arrives with over 25 years of experience in professional and collegiate sports, focusing on athlete health, performance, sport science, and innovation. Most recently, he served as the chief innovation officer for the New York Liberty, overseeing aspects of basketball operations, health, performance, analytics, and applied science for the WNBA franchise. Prior to his time with the Liberty, D’Amelio spent 13 years at Nike and also held positions with Stanford’s men's basketball team, the Toronto Raptors, and the Boston Celtics.
Amsler’s official title is assistant general manager, player personnel. He brings two decades of experience with the Miami Heat organization, where he began as an intern in the 2004-05 season. Over his tenure with the Heat, he advanced through various roles, ultimately serving as vice president of player personnel before joining the Lakers.
These hires are part of a broader effort by Pelinka to strengthen the team's operational foundation, following a period of roster changes over the summer.