URGENT UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers have made a stunning move, firing executives Joey and Jesse Buss from their scouting roles, effective immediately. This dramatic shift in the team’s basketball operations was confirmed by the Buss brothers to ESPN’s Shams Charania earlier today.
For over a decade, the Buss brothers have played pivotal roles in scouting talent, contributing to the acquisition of players like Austin Reaves, Kyle Kuzma, and Jordan Clarkson. Their departure marks a significant change for the franchise, which is currently undergoing a major reorganization.
In their official statement, Joey and Jesse expressed gratitude for their time with the team: “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.” The brothers reflected on the emotional weight of the moment, stating, “At times like this, we wish we could ask our Dad what he would think about it all.”
Despite their dismissal, the Buss brothers will retain their minority ownership stakes in the Lakers, which continues to be a family legacy. Their father, Jerry Buss, who passed away in 2013, was instrumental in transforming the Lakers into a powerhouse after purchasing the team in 1979 for $67.5 million.
This shakeup follows the recent sale of the Lakers’ majority ownership to Mark Walter in June, a deal valued at $10 billion that was officially approved by the NBA Board of Governors last month. The changes come as the Lakers aim to revamp their strategy ahead of the upcoming season.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the Lakers navigate this transitional period. The impact of the Buss brothers’ exit on the team’s future direction remains to be seen, and speculation is rife about who will fill their significant roles in talent evaluation.
As developments unfold, stay tuned for updates on this breaking story that is shaking the foundation of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. The implications for the Lakers’ strategy and performance in the upcoming season could be profound.