Los Angeles Lakers Initiate Major Front Office Changes, Dismissing Joey and Jesse Buss Post-Majority Stake Sale

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly parted ways with long-standing executives Joey and Jesse Buss, a significant development following the recent sale of a majority stake in the franchise. The dismissals, first reported by ESPN, mark the initial substantial organizational shift under new majority owner Mark Walter, co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Buss brothers had maintained prominent roles within the Lakers’ front office for two decades, with Joey Buss serving as the alternate governor and vice president of research and development, while Jesse Buss held the position of assistant general manager under current president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka.

This executive restructuring comes on the heels of the Buss family’s decision to sell a majority stake in the storied NBA franchise to Walter, a transaction officially approved in October at an estimated valuation of $10 billion. Despite the change in majority ownership, Jeanie Buss, the elder sister to Joey and Jesse, is set to retain her position as team governor, ensuring a continued, albeit diminished, Buss family presence at the helm. The family collectively maintains a 19% ownership stake in the Lakers, and both Joey and Jesse Buss will retain their individual stakes in the organization.

In addition to the departure of the Buss brothers, the Lakers are also understood to be dismissing numerous members of their scouting staff, according to further reports from ESPN. This broader sweep through the scouting department underscores a comprehensive re-evaluation of personnel and strategy within the basketball operations division. Over the past decade, Joey and Jesse Buss played integral roles within the scouting apparatus, contributing significantly to the identification and acquisition of talent for the team. Their contributions are notably linked to the recruitment of players such as Austin Reaves, an undrafted free agent who developed into a key rotational player and occasional starter, and Kyle Kuzma, a 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft who was instrumental in the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship run before being traded. Reaves, known for his versatile offensive game and defensive tenacity, has averaged 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists since his rookie season, becoming a fan favorite and a testament to effective scouting. Kuzma, during his tenure with the Lakers, averaged 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds, providing crucial scoring punch off the bench and in the starting lineup.

In a statement provided to ESPN following their dismissal, Joey and Jesse Buss expressed gratitude and a sense of wistfulness regarding their departure. "We are extremely honored to have been part of this organization for the last 20 seasons," the brothers stated. "Thank you to Laker Nation for embracing our family every step of the way. We wish things could be different with the way our time ended with the team. At times like this, we wish we could ask our Dad what he would think about it all." The poignant reference to their father, the late Dr. Jerry Buss, highlights the deep familial connection that has long defined the Lakers franchise.

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The Buss siblings had approved the sale of the Lakers by a majority vote, and initial reports confirmed that Jeanie Buss would remain as the team’s governor for the foreseeable future. This continuity at the very top of the organizational chart contrasts sharply with the recent changes within the basketball operations, indicating a strategic refocusing under the new majority ownership.

Mark Walter’s acquisition marks a new chapter for one of the NBA’s most celebrated franchises. As co-founder and CEO of Guggenheim Partners and a prominent figure in sports ownership through his involvement with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Walter brings a track record of success and a distinct operational philosophy. Under Walter’s partial ownership, the Dodgers achieved significant milestones, including a World Series championship in 2020, often attributed to a robust, data-driven approach to player development, talent acquisition, and organizational management. His full assumption of majority control of the Lakers suggests a potential shift towards a similar strategic framework, prioritizing efficiency and analytical rigor across all departments, including the front office and scouting.

The Buss family’s stewardship of the Lakers dates back to 1979 when Jerry Buss acquired the team for $67.5 million. Under his visionary leadership, the Lakers ascended to global prominence, ushering in the iconic "Showtime" era of the 1980s and securing ten NBA championships during his tenure. Following Jerry Buss’s passing in 2013, the ownership and operational control transitioned to his children, with Jeanie Buss ultimately becoming the team’s governor. This period saw the Lakers navigate through various phases, including a challenging rebuilding period and a return to championship glory in 2020, spearheaded by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The family’s legacy is inextricably linked with the Lakers’ identity, making this front office shakeup particularly resonant.

The timing of these changes aligns with a critical juncture for the Lakers on the court. While the team secured an NBA championship in 2020, the subsequent seasons have been marked by inconsistency and, at times, underperformance relative to expectations. The 2020-21 season saw the Lakers finish 7th in the Western Conference with a 42-30 record, exiting in the first round of the playoffs. The 2021-22 season was particularly challenging, with the team missing the playoffs entirely with a disappointing 33-49 record. The 2022-23 season saw a late-season surge and a run to the Western Conference Finals, demonstrating flashes of potential but ultimately falling short. With a roster featuring future Hall of Famers LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the pressure to consistently contend for championships remains immense. LeBron James, now in his 21st NBA season, continues to defy age, maintaining high-level production. Davis, when healthy, remains one of the league’s most dominant two-way players. As of late November 2025, the Lakers have navigated a challenging early season schedule, with recent performances against teams like the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs highlighting both the team’s offensive potential and defensive vulnerabilities. Upcoming fixtures against formidable opponents such as the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets will further test the team’s resolve and the efficacy of the current roster composition.

Rob Pelinka, who will continue in his role as President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, now faces the task of shaping the team’s future without the direct involvement of Joey and Jesse Buss. Pelinka’s tenure has been characterized by both high-profile successes, such as the acquisition of Anthony Davis and the construction of the 2020 championship team, and significant challenges in roster construction and consistency. His working relationship with the Buss brothers was an integral part of the previous organizational structure; his adaptability to the new leadership under Mark Walter will be closely observed as the franchise plots its course.

Coincidentally, the news of the Buss brothers’ ousting follows their announcement in September of the creation of a new investment firm, "Buss Sports Capital." This venture is reportedly focused on acquisitions and partnerships across the broader sports world, suggesting a new professional direction for Joey and Jesse Buss. While their direct involvement with the Lakers’ front office has concluded, their continued individual ownership stakes and their new entrepreneurial endeavor indicate that their engagement with the sports industry is far from over.

The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise synonymous with excellence and a global fanbase, now embark on a new era under Mark Walter’s majority ownership. The executive changes, particularly the departure of long-serving family members, signal a clear intent to reshape the organization’s operational framework. As the team navigates the current NBA season and looks toward future player personnel decisions, all eyes will be on how this significant front office shakeup translates into on-court performance and the realization of the franchise’s perennial championship aspirations.