Lakers Hire Former Miami Heat Executive Eric Amsler as Assistant GM of Player Personnel

Both executives will report directly to Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka. The structural upgrades arrive as the franchise looks to build long-term operational depth around its core roster, which features recent additions like center Walker Kessler and re-signed guard Austin Reaves.

“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,” Pelinka said in a statement released by the team. “Eric and Keith bring a wealth of experience that will add valuable expertise across our organization.”

Eric Amsler Brings Decades of Miami Heat Scouting Experience

Amsler joins the Lakers following a 22-season tenure within the Miami Heat organization, most recently serving as vice president of player personnel. During his time in Miami, Amsler oversaw the franchise’s scouting department and managed the evaluation of draft selections, professional targets, and G League prospects, according to team announcements.

In addition to his NBA duties, Amsler served as the general manager of the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s G League affiliate. His work in talent identification earned him recognition as the 2023-24 NBA G League Basketball Executive of the Year after he helped construct one of the minor league’s top rosters.

Amsler’s hiring completes a two-part restructuring of the assistant general manager position under Pelinka. In May, the Lakers hired former New Orleans Pelicans executive Rohan Ramadas as an assistant general manager to oversee salary cap management, data, and analytics. While Ramadas handles quantitative strategy, Amsler’s day-to-day responsibilities will focus on professional scouting, draft evaluation, and player development, mirroring the roles he held in Miami.

Keith D’Amelio Overhauls Integrated Performance Systems

On the sports science side, D’Amelio steps into the role of director of integrated performance systems, bringing more than 25 years of experience in athlete health, performance, and innovation.

D’Amelio most recently worked as the chief innovation officer for the WNBA’s New York Liberty, where his responsibilities spanned basketball operations, health and performance, analytics, and applied sciences. His extensive resume also includes previous NBA experience with the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics, alongside stints with Stanford men’s basketball and a 13-year run with Nike.

“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,” Pelinka said.

Front-Office Expansion Follows Ownership and Infrastructure Shifts

The front-office additions build upon infrastructural changes initiated after the 2025 season. Dodgers owner Mark Walter purchased the Lakers in 2025 and prioritized upgrading the team’s medical, physical therapy, and sports science facilities to mirror the operational success seen within the Dodgers organization.

Though Walter subsequently sold his majority stake in a transaction valuing the franchise at $12.5 billion to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, basketball operations have continued to push forward with aggressive additions to behind-the-scenes staff.

The pending ownership change requires final review by the NBA board of governors, which next meets on September 14–15, though approval for the Lakers ownership transfer is not currently expected to be on that meeting’s docket, according to reports by ESPN.

With Amsler evaluating talent in the scouting department and D’Amelio integrating sports science into daily training regimens, the Lakers head into the upcoming campaign with significantly expanded organizational resources behind the bench.