Lakers Front Office Shakeup: Buss Brothers Fired Amid Reorganization

The Los Angeles Lakers are making significant changes in their front office, having fired Joey and Jesse Buss amid a broader reorganization following a recent ownership transition. According to ESPN, the Buss brothers, who have held key roles in the Lakers' basketball operations for the past two decades, were let go as part of a restructuring effort that also included dismissing a significant portion of the scouting department.

Joey Buss served as the alternate governor and vice president of research and development, while Jesse Buss held the position of assistant general manager. Their departure marks a notable shift in the franchise's leadership, particularly with the recent sale of majority ownership to Mark Walter, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The sale, which was approved by the NBA board of governors, valued the Lakers at an estimated $10 billion. Despite their firings, both Joey and Jesse Buss will retain their minority ownership stakes in the team.

They expressed their gratitude in a statement, saying they were honored to be part of the organization and wished they could have left under different circumstances. This change comes shortly after the Buss brothers announced the launch of Buss Sports Capital, an investment firm aimed at exploring acquisitions and partnerships within the sports industry.

According to CBS Sports, the Buss brothers played instrumental roles in scouting and player development, contributing to the acquisition of standout players like Austin Reaves, Kyle Kuzma, and Jordan Clarkson.

Their expertise in talent evaluation had been a cornerstone of the Lakers' strategy in recent years. With this shakeup, the Lakers are expected to continue making changes in their basketball operations as Walter assesses the franchise's future direction.

Jeanie Buss, the siblings' older sister, will remain the team's governor, continuing her leadership role despite the familial upheaval in the front office. Historically, the Buss family has been synonymous with the Lakers, having owned a stake in the franchise since Jerry Buss acquired it in 1979.

The firing of Joey and Jesse Buss and the reorganization of the scouting department indicate a significant shift in the Lakers' approach to team management, emphasizing a new era under Walter's majority ownership.

As the Lakers navigate this transition, the implications for their future strategies and personnel decisions remain to be seen.