The Los Angeles Lakers removed assistant general manager Jesse Buss, scouting director Joey Buss and most of the club’s scouting department on Thursday morning, deepening the organization’s overhaul following the recent sale of a majority stake to billionaire Mark Walter.
In a phone interview with The Athletic, Jesse Buss said his sister and team governor Jeanie Buss orchestrated the dismissals. “She’s fired everyone,” he told reporters Dan Woike and Sam Amick, referring to other Buss family members who had held jobs with the franchise.
Jesse Buss added that he sensed his position was in jeopardy as communication with team leadership dwindled while he dealt with an undisclosed illness. “I kind of felt siloed quite a bit,” he said, explaining that limited contact stretched back to before the 2023 NBA Draft. “As time went on and there was a lack of communication … while I was combating various health issues, I kind of felt like the writing was on the wall.”
The 36-year-old executive is currently receiving immunotherapy treatments. He said the ownership change “more or less just solidified” expectations that he would be pushed out. “Obviously this is a job I’ve loved for a very long time. I love this organization. I love the fans,” he continued.
Walter’s purchase was not unanimously supported by the Buss siblings; Joey and Jesse opposed the deal. The internal split now appears to have cost them their Lakers posts as they turn attention to a newly formed sports acquisition venture.
Joey and Jesse Buss issue joint statement
After being notified of their departures, the brothers released a statement to ESPN: “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 late Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers in 1979 and turned the franchise into one of the NBA’s signature brands. Jeanie Buss remains governor and controlling owner.
The organization has not publicly commented on future staffing plans.
Source: Lakers Nation
