Lon Rosen has been named the new president of business operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a March 12 announcement. Rosen, who began his career with the Lakers in 1980, said he is excited to return to the organization where he started.
Rosen’s appointment comes as Tim Harris prepares to leave at the end of the season. The move is significant because Rosen brings decades of experience in sports management and marketing, including his recent tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2012. His history with both teams positions him well for this leadership role.
Rosen started as an intern with both the Lakers and Los Angeles Kings before becoming director of promotions for those teams and for special events at The Forum. “Being able to sort of return to really where I started, it’s a really exciting thing for me,” Rosen told reporters on Tuesday night. “And I like the challenge, and I’m really looking forward to it. There’s really great people working with me, which is what makes things enjoyable.”
He added: “For me, it’s a challenge. It’s something new, but it is sort of like returning home. But because I still have my connection with the Dodgers, it’s a fun thing.”
After leaving the Lakers in 1987, Rosen founded his own marketing company and worked closely with Magic Johnson as his first client. Despite speculation about Johnson’s possible return to an official role within the franchise due to their relationship, Rosen clarified that while Johnson will be around the team, he will not have any day-to-day responsibilities.
As one of sports’ most recognizable brands worldwide, the Lakers are looking ahead under Rosen’s leadership as he prepares to take over business operations.
