The Lakers are no longer a family-run franchise. The new ownership is shifting from legacy loyalty to a pursuit of the absolute best talent available. Firing Joey and Jesse Buss was a declaration that the franchise’s identity is changing at the highest level.
After ESPN reported that Joey and Jesse were removed from their front-office roles shortly after Mark Walter’s ownership group finalized the record-setting $10 billion purchase, it became obvious this wasn’t about performance. It was about direction. The Buss brothers still retain minority ownership stakes, but operationally, the familial grip on the Lakers is over.
New Owner, New Standards
When a new majority owner arrives — especially one outside the Buss family — the approach naturally shifts. Walter isn’t bound by the emotional history that shaped the franchise for 40 years. He’s going to hire his own people, establish his own structure, and pursue what he believes is the highest level of competence across departments.
And that makes sense. If you’re going to spend $10 billion, you want your own architects drawing the blueprints.
Expect the Lakers to target elite executives, high-powered analytics minds, and top-tier evaluators from around the league. The goal is no longer preserving a Buss tradition — it’s building a modern basketball empire.
Jesse and Joey’s Legacy
Here’s where the move gets complicated: Joey and Jesse Buss were good at what they did. Jesse’s scouting department was responsible for Austin Reaves, Kyle Kuzma, Alex Caruso, and multiple undrafted finds. Joey oversaw player development that routinely turned overlooked prospects into rotation pieces.
Their removal isn’t a verdict on their ability — it’s a shift in political power. Reports suggest the brothers clashed with the new ownership group, and their vote against the sale only widened the divide. When that happened, the writing was on the wall.
Tough Timing for Scouting
And this couldn’t come at a more delicate moment. The college basketball season is just beginning — arguably the most important stretch for scouting departments all year. This is when draft boards are built, breakout prospects are identified, and long-term development strategies take shape.
Transitioning leadership right now introduces uncertainty at a time when continuity is crucial.
A New Era
This isn’t just a changing of personnel — it’s the end of the Buss-driven franchise.
The Lakers are stepping into a future powered by outside ownership ideals, not family legacy.
It may ultimately elevate the franchise to new heights. But walking away from a proven scouting track record — especially at this moment — carries its own price.
The Lakers are understandably gambling on a new identity. How that gamble pays off will define the next decade.
