The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant front office move today, shedding a piece of their history. Joey and Jesse Buss, previously considered the team’s internal engine for scouting, player development, and long-term roster planning, were abruptly let go as part of a massive management reshuffling under the team’s new owner, Mark Walter.

Suddenly, a different future opened up before the two brothers, and Jesse had recently spoken up about it. “As long as we still have our ownership shares within the trust for the Buss family, we’re unable to work for another (team) or, I guess, be a part of another NBA team in terms of basketball,” he told The Athletic. His words didn’t sound like frustration, instead, it feels like reality setting in. The NBA door is closed behind him, and he can’t even knock on another.

But the Buss brother isn’t standing still. “But there’s basketball at every single level, and the youth basketball is something that I’ve really taken to, watching both my sons grow and develop, and love the game,” he continued. For the first time, he can pursue basketball developments at the grassroots level, and help grow the future of the sport we all love.

Buss added, “Giving an opportunity for many kids who deserve the best coaching and development in the world because they have a bright future in the game.” It sounds like philosophizing, but it’s a blueprint for his redirection. He’s making it clear that there’s a shift going forward: from running the LA scouting department to shaping an ecosystem.

That’s where his and Joey’s company comes in. “As far as Buss Sports Capital goes, that’s something that Joey and I created, and we were fortunate enough to do so in order to look into other sports interests not just exclusive to basketball. We’ve already had many conversations with multiple teams from multiple leagues about potentially looking into things we could get into.” If he can’t build the Lakers future anymore, he’s looking to build his own, across leagues and sports in all levels.

By the time he was done speaking, the outline of what he had planned came into focus. Not someone tied to one team, but the idea of building talent and expanding influence without the NBA badge.

Joey and Jesse Buss Reflect on Their Los Angeles Lakers Exit

Two decades with the Los Angeles Lakers came down to a single, emotional message from the Buss brothers. “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. At times like this we wish we could ask our Dad what he would think about it all.” It was a heartfelt acknowledgement from Joey and Jesse Buss, capturing the gratitude towards their family’s franchise and the sting of how things ended.

Their mention of the late Dr. Jerry Buss adds another emotional wrinkle, a reminder that their work wasn’t just a job, but a part of a greater legacy. The brothers had grown up inside the LA basketball universe, in a franchise shaped by their father’s vision.

After 20 years of scouting, development, and impact, it makes sense why the Buss’ exit hit so hard. What do you think about their firing?