The Los Angeles Lakers are undergoing major changes following the sale of the team’s majority ownership stake by Jeanie Buss and her family to Mark Walter, owner of the L.A. Dodgers. As part of this transition, Jeanie Buss will remain as governor for at least five years while Walter evaluates the franchise.
In a development reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, Joey and Jesse Buss have been terminated from their front office positions with immediate effect. The brothers confirmed their departure to ESPN.
Joey and Jesse Buss released a statement on the situation: “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. 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.”
Although they are leaving their executive roles, Joey and Jesse will retain their minority ownership shares in the Lakers. Over the past decade, both played significant roles in scouting talent for the team, contributing to acquisitions such as Austin Reaves, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., and Max Christie.
Their exit comes as a surprise after earlier reports suggested they would remain in their positions. It is not yet clear who will fill their former roles; most recently, Joey served as alternate governor and vice president of research and development, while Jesse was assistant general manager.
It was also noted that when news broke about the sale of the Lakers, there was not unanimous agreement among all Buss siblings regarding the decision.
Recently, Joey and Jesse announced plans to launch a sports acquisition business. With their departure from front office duties at the Lakers, they are expected to focus on this new venture full-time.
