Data Scientist

This is a Full Time Job

Title: Data Scientist, Basketball Analytics

Department: Analytics, Basketball Operations

Reports to: Director, Basketball Analytics

Manages: None

Position Summary: The Data Scientist, Basketball Analytics is a critical member of the Basketball Analytics team. Supporting the Director, Basketball Analytics, they will design, develop, test, implement, and maintain predictive models for player evaluation, roster construction, and in-game strategy. The Data Scientist, Basketball Analytics creates data visualizations to assist in the consumption of their results and presents directly to key decision-makers. This role also works closely with database and reporting / web product technologies to ensure that their tools interface cleanly and efficiently with them.

Essential Functions (Duties & Responsibilities):
• Utilize data mining, statistical analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling techniques to provide data solutions for the front office, scouting and coaching staff
• Integrate new statistical analyses, models and data visualizations into existing and new applications
• Originate innovative ways to analyze / summarize data from existing and new stakeholders (e.g. G League)
• Operate in both the ad-hoc and the long-term, creating new research and sustainable solutions as necessary
• Communicate results and findings to relevant stakeholders in Basketball Operations
• Manipulate and leverage large data sets to enable statistical analyses of the data; source, process, and understand new datasets that may aid in potential evaluations

Education:

• Bachelor's in Statistics or a related field, or equivalent academic or professional experience; Masters or Ph.D. in Statistics or a related field preferred

Minimum Qualifications:
• Strong expertise with statistical analysis tools (e.g., R, Matlab, Tensorflow, Scikit-learn) and relational database (e.g., SQL Server); expertise or strong desire to master geolocation tracking data
• Expertise with modern techniques in machine learning (e.g., clustering, regression modeling, decision trees, time series analysis, boosting, PCA), comprehensive understanding of the best model choice in different scenarios, and deep knowledge of associated performance characteristics
• Experience with large data sets (i.e., millions of rows) required; experience with techniques to algorithmically analyze and display spatial datasets strongly preferred
• Experience with technologies and tools to clearly and aesthetically deliver insights
• Expertise in communicating complex results, statistical or otherwise, to non-technical stakeholders
• Fluent understanding of all phases of the data science cycle (querying data, cleaning data, exploratory analysis, model development, model refinement, analysis of results, presentation)

Other Qualifications:
• Adaptable, eager to self-learn new technical skills
• Knowledge of and passion for NBA basketball

Location: El Segundo (office M-F), and other occasional off-site events

Travel: Less than 5% of the time

Hours: Full-time. Must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays as reasonably required

The Los Angeles Lakers, Inc. requires its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and up to date on their vaccination (i.e., both fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 if eligible for a booster) prior to their first day of employment unless they are approved for a reasonable accommodation based on disability, medical condition, or religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. Being up to date on vaccination means an individual has received a booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within 6 months after the last dose in their primary series or a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within 3 months after their first dose of the vaccine. As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated and up to date on your vaccination before you can begin to actively work.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.