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.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.