Move of Lakers' G League affiliate will have added benefits

The year 2026 could end up being a year of significant change for the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Significant roster changes, of course, could take place over the next few months. In the meantime, some changes have already occurred under new majority owner Mark Walter — legendary University of Virginia head coach Tony Bennett was hired to be a draft advisor, and more changes in management are on the way, including, but not limited to, two new assistant general managers.

The Lakers also recently moved their G League affiliate from South Bay to the Coachella Valley, which is located deep in Riverside County, about two hours east-southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

At first glance, it may seem to be a move that won't affect the big-league Lakers. But, as Los Angeles Times beat writer Thuc Nhi Nguyen noted in a recent article, general manager Rob Pelinka noted it will clear space at the team's practice facility for some state-of-the-art resources.

"Moving the G League operations allows the Lakers to use extra space in their El Segundo training center for new labs for biomechanics, movement and recovery, Pelinka said," Nhi Nguyen wrote. "The Lakers are working in consultation with the [Los Angeles] Dodgers for the high-tech improvements."

The Coachella Valley Lakers started out as the Los Angeles D-Fenders in 2006 and were renamed the South Bay Lakers a decade later. Over the last couple of years, the franchise has been looking to more seamlessly integrate itself with its G League affiliate and prioritize player development at both the NBA and G League levels.

Its G League affiliate will begin playing at Acrisure Arena near Palm Desert this fall. It is an arena where the big-league Lakers have played during the preseason.