The Los Angeles Lakers have made significant changes in their front office by firing executives Joey and Jesse Buss, along with several members of the scouting department, as confirmed by league sources on Thursday. While the specific reasons for their dismissal have not been publicly detailed, Jesse Buss indicated a longstanding disconnect with key figures in the organization, particularly his sister and team owner Jeanie Buss, and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka.
In a candid interview with The Athletic, Jesse Buss reflected on the internal challenges he faced. He noted that his family’s dynamics within the organization have changed, hinting at a pattern of firings among family members involved with the team. “She’s fired everyone,” he commented on Jeanie’s approach to family ties within the structure of the Lakers.
Publicly, signs of the Buss brothers preparing for futures beyond the Lakers were evident when they announced the formation of a sports investment and strategic partnership firm in September. Jesse Buss expressed feelings of isolation and a lack of communication from the organization, particularly as he dealt with health issues and reflected on the recent sale of the team to Mark Walter for a historic $10 billion.
“The sale of the team happening kind of more or less just solidified it in my mind,” he stated. Despite the challenges, Jesse Buss emphasized his passion for the team and its fans, acknowledging that his love for the organization will endure.
For over a decade, Joey and Jesse Buss have played vital roles in scouting and player development for the franchise, contributing to the identification and growth of significant players like Austin Reaves and Kyle Kuzma. Joey held the title of vice president of research and development, while Jesse was director of scouting, significantly influencing the team’s draft strategy.
Despite the upheaval, the Lakers are experiencing a promising season, currently with an 11-4 record, tied for third place in the competitive Western Conference, reflecting the potential for success as they navigate this transition. Jesse Buss remains optimistic and committed as a lifelong fan, expressing his support for the players he helped bring to the team and emphasizing that his ties to the franchise will continue, even if his role has changed. The Lakers’ current trajectory indicates a hopeful future ahead, potentially building on past successes while adapting to new leadership dynamics.