The Los Angeles Lakers are a brand-new team in 2025. Mark Walter, — the organization’s new controlling owner — has already kicked off a front office overhaul, looking to restructure a few key pieces this season.
And while the reason behind all moves remains undisclosed, one can assume Walter is already setting things in motion for a post-LeBron James era. Furthermore, if reports are to be believed, Walter might have more control over the Lakers’ operations than initially expected.
Lakers Insider Reports Interesting Front-Office Detail Under Mark Walter’s New Ownership
On Thursday, ESPN’s Shams Charania shared a report revealing a few surprising Lakers front office moves.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are reorganizing their basketball operations department and terminating executives Joey and Jesse Buss from their respective front office positions, effective immediately, the brothers told ESPN,” Charania wrote.
The duo, who have been significantly involved in the team’s scouting over the past decade, will no longer be involved in the team’s operations, but are expected to maintain their role as minority owners.
Joey Buss was the alternate governor and president of research and development, while Jesse was the assistant general manager.
Additionally, a recent report by insider Ramona Shelburne revealed Walter might have more influence on the team than expected.
“Nothing Jeanie does is without consultation of Mark Walter,” Shelburne said.
Walter took control of the Lakers last month, deciding to keep Jeanie Buss on as the governor. He revealed that she would continue to look at day-to-day operations. The Buss family sold the Lakers’ majority stake for $10 billion, retaining 15% of their ownership share.
In another report, Charania revealed that the two siblings who were fired were the only ones who didn’t want the sale to go through. With Jeanie continuing on as the governor and their role diminishing, it could have caused conflict within the organization.
According to Charania, the plan was to keep the two siblings on as they lead operations. The longtime NBA insider shared a quote from Jesse Buss, which read, “Dr. Buss’ idea was for Joey and I to run basketball operations one day. But Jeanie has effectively kept herself in place with her siblings fired.”
The siblings even released a statement regarding the same, fondly looking back at their time in LA.
“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,” they said in their statement to ESPN.
One thing, though, was clear — the brothers didn’t want to part ways with the Lakers in such a manner.
“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,” they added.
That being said, Walter’s arrival in Lakers is calling for significant changes, hopefully planning for a future that is centered around winning their 18th franchise title.
