Lakers Front Office Shakeup: Buss Brothers Fired Amid Ownership Change
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The Los Angeles Lakers are experiencing a major shift in their front office, as longtime executives Joey and Jesse Buss have been fired following the recent sale of the team's majority ownership to Mark Walter, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
According to CBS Sports, Joey Buss served as the alternate governor and vice president of research and development, while Jesse Buss held the position of assistant general manager. Both brothers had been integral to the Lakers' scouting department, helping to identify and develop talent such as Austin Reaves and Kyle Kuzma over the past decade.
Their departure marks a significant change in the franchise's operations as Walter takes control, having acquired a majority stake in the Lakers for $10 billion, a sale that was officially approved by the NBA board of governors in October, as reported by ESPN.
Despite their firing, Joey and Jesse Buss will retain their minority ownership shares in the team. In their statement to ESPN, they expressed gratitude for their time with the Lakers, stating, "We are extremely honored to have been part of this organization for the last 20 seasons.
Thank you to Laker Nation for embracing our family every step of the way." The Buss brothers' exit also comes amid a broader overhaul of the Lakers' scouting staff, with several other members, including Sean Buss and Aaron Jackson, also being let go.
This reorganization reflects a deliberate move to revitalize the franchise under new ownership. Joey and Jesse Buss, sensing changes ahead, had previously announced the formation of an investment firm named Buss Sports Capital, aimed at exploring opportunities in the sports industry.
Under the new ownership structure, Jeanie Buss, their older sister, will continue to serve as the team's governor, although the dynamics within the Buss family have been complex, particularly after past disputes regarding ownership and management decisions.
As the Lakers navigate this transition, the focus will be on how the new leadership will shape the team's future direction and operations.