Lakers executive terminations

In a stunning move that signals a new era for the Los Angeles Lakers' leadership, the franchise has terminated longtime executives Joey and Jesse Buss, sons of the legendary late owner Dr. Jerry Buss. The news, first reported by NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, marks a significant reorganization of the team's basketball operations and effectively ends the direct involvement of the younger Buss generation in day-to-day management.

The brothers, who have been with the organization for two decades, confirmed the news in a poignant joint statement, expressing both gratitude for their time with the team and disappointment in its conclusion.

Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' controlling owner and president, has made bold changes in the front office when she deems it necessary. (Image: CBS Sports)

The Buss Brothers' Heartfelt Reaction

Shortly after the news broke, Joey and Jesse Buss released a joint statement that underscored the deep family ties to the franchise.

“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.”

The reference to their father, Dr. Jerry Buss, who transformed the Lakers into a global brand, highlights the emotional weight of the decision. It suggests the termination was not a mutual parting of ways and hints at a longing for the guidance of the family patriarch, who passed away in 2013.

The decision was reportedly driven by controlling owner Jeanie Buss—their older sister—and Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka. Jeanie Buss has a history of making difficult, family-related business decisions, most notably removing her brother Jim Buss as the head of basketball operations in 2017.

Who Were Joey and Jesse Buss?

Both brothers grew up within the Lakers organization and held significant, albeit often behind-the-scenes, roles for nearly 20 years.

Joey Buss: The Developmental Architect

At 38, Joey Buss served as the President of the South Bay Lakers, the team's G-League affiliate. He was instrumental in building the developmental pipeline that has produced key contributors for the parent club. He oversaw the operations that helped groom players like Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves, turning undrafted prospects into valuable assets.

Jesse Buss: The Talent Scout

Jesse Buss, 35, was the Lakers' Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting. He earned a strong reputation across the league as a shrewd talent evaluator. His department was responsible for identifying and drafting several players who outperformed their draft positions, including:

• Jordan Clarkson (46th pick, 2014)
• Larry Nance Jr. (27th pick, 2015)
• Ivica Zubac (32nd pick, 2016)
• Kyle Kuzma (27th pick, 2017)
• Josh Hart (30th pick, 2017)

His eye for talent was crucial during the team's rebuilding years and contributed directly to the roster that won the 2020 NBA Championship.

Behind the Decision: Why Were They Fired?

While the Lakers have officially termed the move a "reorganization," several factors are believed to have contributed to the decision.

• Consolidating Power: The move further centralizes control under GM Rob Pelinka, streamlining the decision-making process. This removes potential layers of internal debate or conflicting philosophies from the family ownership ranks.
• Eliminating Perceptions of Nepotism: By removing family members from key operational roles, Jeanie Buss reinforces a merit-based, corporate structure. It signals that success on the court is the only priority, even over family ties.
• Paving the Way for New Leadership: The dismissals open up positions in the front office, fueling speculation that the Lakers may pursue a high-profile external candidate. Names like former Golden State Warriors architect Bob Myers have been mentioned, though no concrete reports have linked him to the team.
• Accountability for Performance: Despite winning the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, the Lakers' recent seasons have been marked by inconsistency. This shake-up could be a proactive measure to hold leadership accountable and steer the team toward its 18th championship.

A Shift in the Buss Family Legacy

The departure of Joey and Jesse marks the end of an era. While the Buss family trust retains majority ownership of the team, Jeanie Buss now stands as the sole family member actively involved in day-to-day basketball operations.

This mirrors the events of 2017, when Jeanie ousted her brother Jim and longtime GM Mitch Kupchak in a dramatic front-office coup, installing Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. This latest move reaffirms her position as the ultimate authority and her willingness to make whatever changes she believes are necessary to win.

While they no longer hold executive positions, Joey and Jesse Buss remain co-owners of the franchise and will continue to hold their seats on the Board of Directors.

What's Next for the Lakers Front Office?

The timing of this reorganization is critical, as the Lakers head into a pivotal offseason with superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

• NBA Draft: With Jesse Buss gone, the team loses its chief talent evaluator right before the draft. The existing scouting department and Rob Pelinka will need to navigate this crucial team-building period without a key voice.
• Free Agency: Pelinka will lead the charge in building a championship-contending roster around James and Davis. A more streamlined front office could lead to quicker, more decisive action in the competitive free-agent market.
• New Hires: All eyes will be on whether the Lakers backfill these positions or simply redistribute the responsibilities. The decision to hire from within or bring in an external executive will offer a clear glimpse into the team's future direction.

The move has generated significant discussion among fans and media, with many expressing gratitude for the brothers' contributions while understanding the franchise's relentless pursuit of excellence. As the Lakers move forward, the pressure is now squarely on Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka to prove that this dramatic overhaul was the right call.

Watch: Sports Analysts Break Down the Lakers' Front Office Shakeup

Sources for this article include reports from The Athletic, the Los Angeles Times, and ESPN.