The Los Angeles Lakers told more than a dozen staff they were out on Wednesday, citing a business‑side reorganization under the new ownership group. The NBA board approved the sale of the franchise to businessman Mark Walter at a $10 billion valuation in October, ending the Buss family’s five‑decade run. The cuts hit marketing, team communications, content and corporate partnerships.

Front‑office changes have already reshaped the Lakers’ business hierarchy. Lon Rosen replaced longtime president Tim Harris as president of business operations, while Michael Spetner arrived as chief strategy and growth officer and Ryan Kantor took charge of global partnerships. The moves aim to drive fan engagement.

On the basketball side, Rob Pelinka added former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as a draft consultant and hired Rohan Ramadas as assistant GM of strategy and data systems. Pelinka also announced plans for a new biomechanics, movement and recovery lab at the UCLA Health Training Center, underscoring an investment in player development while the front office trims support staff significantly.