On Thursday, NBA insider Shams Charania shared new details on ESPN’s NBA Today regarding the recent Lakers front-office shakeup, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Joey and Jesse Buss’ departures.
According to Charania, Mark Walter is consolidating control of the franchise and has implemented major restructuring, including the dismissal of the brothers and most of the scouting department.
Charania highlighted a key tension point: Joey and Jesse Buss had opposed the $10 billion sale of the Lakers to Walter. “Joey and Jesse Buss were the two siblings that voted against the $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter,” he said, indicating that their removal was closely tied to that opposition.
The insider also emphasized the brothers’ historical role in the organization. Joey and Jesse were central to the Lakers’ scouting and personnel operations, helping identify players like Austin Reaves, Kyle Kuzma, Alex Caruso, and Julius Randle. Charania noted that the move signals a significant shift in operational authority while Jeanie Buss remains governor.
Jesse Buss told Charania, “It was Dr. Buss’ idea for Joey and I to run basketball operations one day. But Jeanie has effectively kept herself in place with her siblings fired,” revealing internal family dynamics played a role in the restructuring.
Charania added that the shakeup is broader than just the Buss siblings, with most of the Lakers’ scouting staff reportedly let go as Walter’s leadership takes hold. While the brothers retain their minority ownership shares, Charania stressed that day-to-day basketball operations are now firmly under new management.
