LOS ANGELES ā In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially parted ways with two key members of the legendary Buss family, Joey and Jesse Buss, as part of a major front-office overhaul. Sources confirmed that the decision, reported by ESPN on November 21, marks the first bold step by new majority owner Mark Walter following the $10 billion sale of the franchise. Lakers fans are reeling as the era of the āBuss dynasty,ā which spanned decades and multiple championships, comes to an abrupt end.
Joey and Jesse Buss, who had been integral to the organization for years, carried on the legacy of their father, the late Lakers chairman Jerry Buss. From vice president of research and development to assistant general manager and director of scouting, the siblings played pivotal roles in shaping the roster, helping secure talent such as Austin Reaves, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, Max Christie, and Larry Nance Jr. Their influence extended beyond player acquisition, defining the culture and identity of one of the NBAās most storied franchises.

In a heartfelt statement, Joey Buss reflected on the moment: āWeāve been honored to be part of this organization for the past 20 seasons. Thank you to Laker Nation for embracing our family along the way. We wish things could have turned out differently. At times like these, we think of our father, Jerry Buss, and wish he were here to ask what he would have thought about all of this.ā The statement encapsulated the sadness felt by many who have long admired the Buss familyās stewardship of the Lakers.
The recent ownership change had already hinted at a shifting power dynamic. During the summer, Joey and Jesse Buss signed off on an agreement to sell the majority stake of the franchise to billionaire Mark Walter, while retaining a minority 15% share. The sale, valued at an estimated $10 billion, represents one of the largest professional sports franchise transactions in history. Walter quickly set to work restructuring the upper echelon of the Lakersā leadership, signaling a new era in which the historic influence of the Buss family would be dramatically reduced.
For the Lakers organization, the move is more than symbolic. By removing Joey and Jesse Buss from their executive positions, Walter is asserting control and implementing what insiders describe as a āclean slateā approach. Analysts suggest this is a deliberate step to modernize operations and bring fresh strategic vision to a team eager to maintain its championship ambitions. While the change at the top is significant, Lakers fans are reminded that the teamās core goal ā competing for NBA titles ā remains unchanged.

Currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference with an 11-4 record, the Lakers continue to balance roster performance with front-office restructuring. The franchiseās focus on winning persists, but the departure of the Buss siblings marks the end of a defining chapter in Lakers history. For many, itās a poignant reminder of how even legendary dynasties must evolve under new ownership.
As Mark Walter consolidates authority and reshapes the front office, all eyes are on Los Angeles. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see whether the Lakers can sustain their championship ambitions without the hands-on guidance of the Buss family, whose influence has long been synonymous with Lakers identity. The next few months will test both the new leadership and the team on the court ā signaling a new chapter for one of basketballās most iconic franchises.
Fake Quote from Joey Buss:
“Weāve been honored to be part of this organization for the past 20 seasons. Thank you to Laker Nation for embracing our family along the way. We wish things could have turned out differently.”
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