Lakers Fire Joey and Jesse Buss from Front-Office Roles Amid Growing Tensions
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a stunning move, firing front-office executives Joey and Jesse Buss, along with several members of the team’s scouting staff, sources confirmed Thursday. The decision marks a significant shakeup for the storied franchise, which has long been under the leadership of the Buss family.
The reasons behind the abrupt dismissal remain unclear, as the organization has not made an official announcement regarding the firings. However, Jesse Buss spoke candidly about the decision in an interview with The Athletic, describing a growing disconnect with key stakeholders in the franchise, including his sister, team owner Jeanie Buss, and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka. Jesse admitted that the rift had been building for some time, with tensions rising even before the 2025 sale of the Lakers to Mark Walter for a reported $10 billion.
A Family Divide: Tensions Behind the Firing
Jesse Buss, who has been a key figure in the Lakers’ player development and scouting operations, expressed that the fallout between himself and the team’s leadership had been exacerbated by his ongoing health issues. Over the past few years, Jesse has been battling an unspecified illness and is currently undergoing immunotherapy treatments. He admitted that, during this period, the lack of communication between him, Jeanie Buss, and other members of the organization left him feeling increasingly isolated.
“I kind of felt siloed quite a bit, dating back to before, I guess, the 2023 draft,” Jesse Buss said. “And I kind of didn’t think much of it, but as time went on and there was a lack of communication between not only my sister and I, but the organization as a whole, while I was combating various health issues, I kind of felt like the writing was on the wall.”
Jesse’s remarks point to a broader theme of strained family dynamics within the Lakers organization. In a revealing statement, he said, “She’s fired everyone,” referring to his sister Jeanie Buss’ dealings with other family members who had worked for the franchise. These personal tensions, combined with the challenges of managing the team’s operations, appear to have played a major role in the decision.
Lakers’ Organizational Changes Amid a Strong Season Start
The Buss brothers’ exit comes as the Lakers are enjoying a strong start to the 2025-2026 season, with an 11-4 record that sees them tied for third place in the Western Conference. This marks the franchise’s best start since the 2020-2021 season, a period that saw the team win the NBA Championship. Some of the players who have been central to this early success, such as Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, were brought to the team by the Buss brothers’ efforts, further complicating the emotional impact of their departure.
Despite the firing, Jesse Buss said that his love for the team remains unchanged. “I’m always gonna root for this team. And obviously, I root for players that Joey and I had a part of bringing in, like Austin and Rui,” he said.
The Buss Brothers’ Legacy in Lakers Scouting and Development
Joey and Jesse Buss have spent over a decade within the Lakers organization, with significant roles in the scouting and player development sectors. Joey most recently served as the alternate governor and vice president of research and development, while Jesse worked as the director of scouting, a role in which he played a pivotal part in shaping the team’s draft strategy.
Their work helped bring in key role players such as Austin Reaves, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, and Max Christie. These players have since become important contributors to the Lakers’ success, further cementing the Buss brothers’ legacy within the organization. Joey also previously served as president and CEO of the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, before moving into his front-office role with the main squad.
While the timing of their departure has raised eyebrows, it is not entirely unexpected. Earlier this year, the Buss brothers announced the launch of a sports investment and strategic partnership company, signaling their intentions to move beyond the Lakers organization. However, the recent firing, which comes just after the sale of the Lakers, has caught many by surprise, including rival executives within the league.
The Future of the Lakers Under New Leadership
With the Lakers now under new ownership following the $10 billion sale to Mark Walter, the team’s leadership structure is undergoing significant changes. Jeanie Buss, who negotiated to remain as the team’s operating governor for at least five more years, will continue to lead the franchise through this transition. The focus will now shift to how the Lakers move forward without two of the key figures who have helped shape their recent success.
As the Lakers continue their strong start to the season, the future of the organization appears to be in flux. It remains to be seen how the front-office shakeup will affect the team’s direction both on and off the court, but for now, the franchise must navigate these significant changes as it prepares for the next chapter.
