The Lakers have conducted layoffs across multiple departments on Wednesday, according to a report. The move follows a reorganization after the team’s sale from the Buss family to Mark Walter last year. The restructuring includes replacing Tim Harris with Lon Rosen as President of Business Operations and hiring Michael Spetner as Chief Strategy & Growth Officer. Ryan Kantor joined as VP/Global Partnerships, while former Virginia coach Tony Bennett was brought in as a draft consultant. Rohan Ramadas also joined as an Assistant GM focused on strategy and data systems.
Over a dozen employees were affected, with layoffs spanning communications, content, and partnerships, as noted by a source. The reorganization has been ongoing for months, with changes in leadership and new hires shaping its direction. A source said the cuts were part of broader efforts to align operations with the new ownership structure. The front office has also drawn input from the Dodgers, whose baseball operations team has influenced the overhaul.
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Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations for the Dodgers, and special advisor Farhan Zaidi have played roles in reshaping the front office, according to another report. Their involvement highlights cross-sport collaboration between the two franchises. The layoffs come as the team continues to adjust to its new ownership model, which valued the team at $10 billion nearly a year ago. Officials have not provided detailed timelines for future changes.
Some departments, like basketball operations, have seen external influence. The hiring of Bennett, a veteran coach, adds a new layer to the draft strategy. Meanwhile, Ramadas’ focus on data systems suggests a push toward analytics-driven decision-making. The reorganization has not yet included major changes to on-court personnel, though structural shifts may impact future hiring practices.
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Employees affected by the layoffs were not immediately identified, and the team has not commented publicly on the scale of the cuts. The move follows a pattern of cost-cutting seen in other major sports franchises during transitions in ownership. A source said the changes aim to streamline operations while maintaining the team’s competitive edge. No immediate plans for further layoffs have been announced, but the restructuring is expected to continue.
The reorganization has sparked quiet discussions within the organization about long-term goals. Some analysts suggest the team is prioritizing efficiency over expansion, a shift that may affect fan engagement strategies. The Dodgers’ involvement, while not yet public, has raised questions about potential shared resources or joint initiatives between the two teams. For now, the focus remains on integrating new leadership and stabilizing operations.
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As the Lakers navigate this transition, the impact on fans and local communities remains unclear. The team’s official statements have emphasized continuity, but internal changes may take time to reflect publicly. With key hires and layoffs shaping the organization’s future, the next steps will likely involve balancing short-term adjustments with long-term ambitions.