Nick Mazzella leaves Lakers’ PR department to join D-Fenders as GM

The D-Fenders have hired Nick Mazzella as their general manager, President/CEO Joey Buss has announced.

Mazzella spent the last nine years with the Lakers’ public relations department. Now he will join the team’s NBA D-League affiliate in a prominent role.

“We are excited for the opportunity to bring Nick aboard as a core member of the D-Fenders staff,� said Buss. “He is a young, diligent and focused individual who has the goal of excelling in our basketball operations department. We believe that Nick further establishes our commitment to hiring high-quality personnel as we pursue a championship and develop NBA-level talent.�

Glenn Carraro was promoted from general manager to vice president of basketball operations for the D-Fenders. He will also continue on as the Lakers’ assistant general manager, to General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

“Working with Glenn every day for the last two years has been a pleasure,� said Buss. “We feel that his new role further strengthens the synergy between the Lakers and D-Fenders. Glenn, who will function primarily as assistant general manager with the Lakers, will help serve as a liaison between the D-Fenders and the Lakers whenever a player is assigned or called-up to the NBA.�

The Lakers start their season Oct. 29 at home against the Clippers. The D-Fenders, who play their home games at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo, start up Nov. 23, playing host to the 2013 D-League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

ALSO:

New Lakers guard Xavier Henry joins Twitter

Lakers may have the most summertime spending power in the NBA

Former Lakers guard Shannon Brown, singer Monica welcome baby girl

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.