Lon Rosen eager to rejoin Lakers as president of business operations
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Lon Rosen, a longtime sports executive whose career began with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980, has been named the team’s new president of business operations. Rosen spoke with reporters Tuesday night, describing the appointment as both a homecoming and a fresh challenge.
“Being able to sort of return to where I started is a really exciting thing for me,” he said. “I like the challenge, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Rosen started with the Lakers and Los Angeles Kings as an intern more than four decades ago, when both franchises were owned by the late Dr. Jerry Buss. He later advanced to director of promotions for the Lakers, Kings and The Forum’s special events before leaving the organization in 1987 to launch a marketing firm. His first client was Lakers icon Magic Johnson.
Since 2012, Rosen has worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers, a connection he plans to maintain while overseeing Lakers business operations. He replaces Tim Harris, who will depart at the end of the current NBA season.
Although Rosen’s close relationship with Johnson fueled speculation about a formal role for the Hall of Famer, Rosen clarified that Johnson will not handle day-to-day duties with the franchise. Still, Johnson is expected to maintain a presence around the organization.
Rosen is scheduled to assume his new responsibilities immediately, aiming to keep the Lakers positioned among the most recognizable brands in global sports.
Source: Lakers Nation
