Lakers Fire Joey and Jesse Buss After Record Sale

Major Shakeup in Lakers Front Office After Record-Breaking Ownership Transition

In a stunning development that sends shockwaves through the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have terminated the roles of Joey Buss and Jesse Buss, the sons of late team owner Jerry Buss. The firings come just months after the franchise's historic $10 billion sale to new majority owner Mark Walter, marking a definitive shift in the Lakers' power structure and ending the brothers' 20-year tenure with the iconic franchise.

The Buss Brothers Departure: Roles and Contributions

Joey Buss (41) and Jesse Buss (37) were foundational figures in the Lakers' basketball operations, particularly in talent identification and development. Joey served as alternate governor and vice president of research and development, while Jesse held the position of assistant general manager and director of scouting. Their contributions were instrumental in discovering key players like Austin Reaves, Alex Caruso, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., and Max Christie, who became vital contributors to the team's success.

"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."

— Joey and Jesse Buss

Context of the Firing: The $10 Billion Sale

The dismissals come amid significant organizational changes following the Lakers' record-breaking sale to Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter in June 2025. The $10 billion valuation marked the largest sports franchise transaction in U.S. history. While Jeanie Buss, the siblings' sister, retains her role as team governor under the new ownership agreement, Joey and Jesse's positions were eliminated as part of a broader restructuring of basketball operations.

Family Dynamics and Power Shifts

The firings highlight ongoing tensions within the Buss family saga. Jesse Buss publicly stated, "Dr. Buss' idea was for Joey and I to run basketball operations one day. But Jeanie has effectively kept herself in place with her siblings fired." This echoes past conflicts, including the 2017 power struggle between Jeanie and her brothers Johnny and Jim Buss, which resulted in legal action.

What's Next for the Lakers and Buss Brothers

While Joey and Jesse Buss retain minority ownership stakes, they've already pivoted to new ventures. In September 2025, they launched Buss Sports Capital, an investment firm focused on sports acquisitions and partnerships. The Lakers, meanwhile, are expected to undergo further front-office reorganization under Mark Walter's leadership, who also owns the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers.

The abrupt end to the brothers' careers in purple and gold leaves a significant void in scouting expertise, though the Lakers have indicated plans to rebuild their basketball operations department in the coming weeks. With the NBA trade season approaching and the team currently navigating a challenging season, these changes could have immediate implications on roster decisions and long-term strategy.

Conclusion: A New Era Dawns in Los Angeles

The firing of the Buss brothers symbolizes the end of an era for the Lakers, marking a definitive break from the family's direct basketball operations legacy. As Mark Walter's vision for the franchise takes shape, the challenge will be to maintain the Lakers' championship pedigree while forging a new identity. For Joey and Jesse, this transition opens doors to new opportunities in the global sports landscape, but the abrupt departure from their lifelong home in Los Angeles undoubtedly marks a poignant moment for the storied franchise.