The Los Angeles Lakers just completed a massive front office overhaul. This week, they fired Joey and Jesse Buss from their scouting roles, both of whom spent 20 years with the organization. The Buss creation of sold their majority ownership stake in the team to Mark Walter for an estimated $10 billion. This move was initially approved by the NBA Board of Governors all the way back in June.
Joey Buss played the role of the alternate governor, vice president of research and development. Jesse Buss, the son of Jim Buss, took over as assistant general manager. Throughout their tenure, they played pivotal roles in identifying and nurturing talent, contributing to the success of players such as Austin Reaves, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr.
The Buss family’s connection to the Lakers started when Jerry bought the team in 1979. That season, Jerry Buss purchased the team from Jack Kent Cooke for $67.5 million. After Jerry Buss died in 2013, his children took on central leadership roles in the organization. Jeanie Buss remains as primary team governor. The recent ownership transition is an important turning point in the team’s daily management dynamic and long-term vision.
See you later… With immediate effect, Joey Buss and Jesse Buss have left the Lakers’ front office. Specifically, their team is going through a complete restructuring of their basketball operations department. While the brothers are stepping down from these roles, as minority shareholders they will continue to have ownership over the franchise.
In September, Joey Buss and Jesse Buss announced the formation of Buss Sports Capital. Through their unique value-add approach, this investment firm specializes in acute acquisition sourcing and partnerships across the broad sports ecosystem. This new venture is a clear indication of their sustained commitment to the space, though this time beyond their original roles with the Lakers.
In a statement looking back on their time with the Lakers, Joey Buss said they were thankful for the experience.
“We are extremely honored to have been part of this organization for the last 20 seasons.” – Joey Buss
Yet he said he was sorry about how their tenure with the team ended, saying,
“Thank you to Laker Nation for embracing our family every step of the way.” – Joey Buss
Jesse echoed similar sentiments, adding a personal touch to their departure:
“We wish things could be different with the way our time ended with the team.” – Joey Buss
Jesse echoed similar sentiments, adding a personal touch to their departure:
“At times like this, we wish we could ask our Dad what he would think about it all.” – Jesse Buss
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