Lakers Hire Vanessa Brooks as Head Athletic Trainer, Strengthening Medical Staff

Brooks, previously with the Oklahoma City Thunder, brings extensive experience and historical significance to the Lakers' team.

Vanessa Brooks joins the Los Angeles Lakers as their head athletic trainer and senior physical therapist after a successful tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Brooks is the first Black woman to be dual certified as both an athletic trainer and physical therapist in the NBA, marking a significant milestone in sports medicine.
Her hiring is part of a broader restructuring of the Lakers' medical staff under new leadership, including Dr. Leroy Sims as director of player performance.
Brooks' expertise is expected to be crucial in maintaining the health of key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who have faced injury challenges in recent seasons.
She is also a member of the NBA’s Emergency Preparedness Committee, helping to develop league-wide protocols for cardiac, neck, and spine emergencies.