The Los Angeles Lakers have announced the termination of Joey and Jesse Buss from their executive roles in a surprising move. This marks the beginning of a front office shakeup under the new ownership of Mark Walter.
Shocking News from Lakers Nation
ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news via X, stating that the Lakers are reorganizing their basketball operations department. Joey and Jesse Buss, sons of the late Lakers owner Jerry Buss, have been with the franchise for two decades and held prominent positions within the organization. Jesse served as the Director of Scouting, while Joey was the President of the South Bay Lakers, the team's G League affiliate.
Brothers' Statement
In a statement released shortly after the announcement, Joey and Jesse Buss expressed their gratitude for their time with the Lakers. "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."
Surprise Departure
While changes were anticipated under new ownership, the departure of Joey and Jesse Buss comes as a surprise to many. They were considered bright spots in the front office and had become influential voices within the organization. Initial reports suggested that the brothers would remain with the team after the sale to Mark Walter.
Looking Ahead
The reasons behind the termination remain unclear, but it signals a significant shift in the Lakers' leadership structure. Despite their departure from executive roles, Shams Charania confirmed that Joey and Jesse Buss will retain minority stakes in the ownership of the Lakers. The Buss family's sale of the Lakers to Mark Walter for $10 billion was finalized on October 30th.
The sports world is watching closely to see how this change will impact the Lakers' future direction and performance. More updates will be provided as the story develops.