Mark Walter Removes Jesse and Joey Buss as Front Office Overhaul Begins in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers’ new ownership era escalated dramatically on Thursday, as majority shareholder Mark Walter moved swiftly to remove longtime executives Jesse and Joey Buss from their positions with immediate effect. The decision comes just months after Walter acquired 85% of the franchise in a landmark $10 billion deal.

The move represents the biggest structural change to the Lakers’ front office in over a decade and signals a major strategic turning point in how the team will now operate.

Longtime Buss executives depart

Following the passing of former owner Dr. Jerry Buss, Jeanie, Joey, and Jesse Buss shared control of the organization, with each playing significant roles in the club’s operations.

Jesse Buss, who served as Co-General Manager alongside Rob Pelinka, oversaw player talent evaluation and scouting departments. He was instrumental in the organization’s draft strategy and personnel recruitment, leading initiatives across the NBA Draft, G League integration, trades, and unrestricted free agency. His work contributed to several impactful acquisitions, including the discovery and signing of Austin Reaves.

His brother Joey Buss served as CEO of the South Bay Lakers and focused on G League development and overall basketball operations infrastructure. He played a central role in the organizational bridge between the developmental system and the main roster.

According to reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania, both executives were also responsible for staffing their scouting and development departments, which will now be replaced under new ownership direction.

Notably, the Buss brothers had voted against the team’s sale to Walter earlier in the year, though no formal connection between that position and their dismissal has been stated.

Jeanie Buss continues as organizational governor

Despite the sweeping changes, Jeanie Buss retains her 15% ownership stake and remains the official team governor, acting as the Lakers’ representative to the NBA. Even without majority control, she maintains final decision-making authority at the league governance level.

Jeanie has worked collaboratively with Walter throughout the offseason, including the acquisitions of Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton. Her leadership has guided the franchise through multiple major eras, including:

• Rebuilding the team following the Kobe Bryant era
• Signing LeBron James in 2018
• Capturing the 2020 NBA championship, making her the first woman owner to win a title
• Approving the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić earlier this year

Walter’s restructuring represents a significant departure from the family-led hierarchy the Lakers have used for decades, and signals the beginning of a new operational philosophy as Los Angeles transitions into its next chapter.