Bonnie-Jill Laflin is one of the hardest working women in sports. Getting her start scouting for the late Dr. Buss and the Los Angeles Lakers for free, she worked her way up through her hard work and the unwillingness to give up.
She has been a part of five NBA Championships and one Super Bowl. When she’s not working on her various philanthropic efforts, you can catch her covering the San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors on NBC Sports Bay Area, hosting a San Francisco-based morning radio show, and hosting her own podcast.
What made you become passionate about sports? Were you an athlete as a kid?
When I was young, I was definitely a “daddy’s girl”! I was always with my father and we attended a lot of games in the Bay Area – 49ers, Giants, and Warriors. I was drawn to sports and couldn’t get enough. I played softball, basketball, ran track and competed in rodeos as a barrel racer. I would read the sports page every day, and I even tried to scout players as a kid!
What is your best advice for women looking to get into sports media?
First and foremost, credibility is key. Constantly research and always be on top of your game. You will always be under a microscope, so you have to be better than the men in the industry. Have thick skin, great work ethic, and a “never give up” attitude.
How did you get involved with the Los Angeles Lakers?
I was covering the Lakers for KCAL/KCBS in Los Angeles. The late Dr. Jerry Buss, Jeanie Buss, and then General Manager, Mitch Kupchak, wanted to have a female’s perspective in the scouting department. Since I knew the game, the triangle offense Phil Jackson was running, and had an eye for talent, they asked if I wanted to “try out” for the role.
I scouted the first year with no pay and then focused on the Pac 12 and Big 12 conferences.
After liking my work, the Lakers signed me to a five-year deal and then extended another five years. To this day, I am the first and only female scout in NBA history.
What was the greatest moment in your career?
Professionally, being the first and only female scout in the NBA and earning five NBA Championship rings during that time. Additionally, cheering on the sidelines of the Super Bowl as an 18 year old 49er Cheerleader and earning a Super Bowl ring.
Personally, I been fortunate to participate in 20 USO tours to support our troops. My tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, to boost the morale our heroes, during the war were life changing.
You are very passionate about animal welfare as well as helping veterans. What made you get involved in both of those efforts?
Animal welfare and supporting our troops were instilled in me at a young age. My parents rescued all of our pets, but I also had a strong connection with animals even more than humans. At that point I knew I always wanted to stand up for animals and be their voice.
My family has a long tradition of military service, so my respect for our nation’s heroes was inevitable. Both of my grandfathers served in WWII, one a silver star and purple heart recipient as well as my uncle being a career Marine serving in Vietnam.It was always important for me to make sure our military and veterans are always shown gratitude and supported. I’ve been fortunate to be in a position to participate in 20 USO tours where I traveled overseas to visit our soldiers deployed, visit our wounded warriors and veterans in the hospital, and send out care packages.
I continue every day as part of my charity, Hounds and Heroes, to fight for animal welfare as well as for our veterans, including visiting Congress to discuss these important issues with our representatives.
You have six rings just like MJ! How does it feel? Where do you keep them all?
My Super Bowl ring and 5 NBA Championship Rings don’t just represent victory. They also represent strong work ethic, resilience, and passion. I store them securely but do bring them out during the Super Bowl and NBA Finals.
What is the hardest part about being an NBA scout?
Being the first and only female scout, it was always the scrutiny of being a female and it was a man’s world so with a lot blood, sweat and tears … and time, I finally earned the acceptance and credibility from my peers and other teams in the league.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently a host on KNBR 680’s “The Murph and Mac Show” in San Francisco each morning, hosting segments and reporting for NBC Sports Bay Area, and hosting a podcast called “The Weekly Pass” on Westwood One. When I am not on-air somewhere, I focus on my charity, Hounds and Heroes. I also have a children’s book in the works.
Make sure you follow Bonnie-Jill on all of her social media channels, (IG: @BonnieJill , Twitter: @BJLaflin, Facebook) to keep up with Bay Area sports as well as her work with our veterans!
