Dodgers executive Lon Rosen appointed as president of business operations for the Lakers
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Longtime Los Angeles Dodgers executive Lon Rosen is transitioning to the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office in a notable shift for the 17-time NBA champion franchise following its acquisition last year.
The Lakers announced on Thursday that Rosen will take on the role of president of business operations, succeeding Tim Harris, who is set to retire after 35 years with the organization.
Since 2012, Rosen has served as the Dodgers’ executive vice president and chief marketing officer, the same year Mark Walter acquired the baseball team. Under Walter’s ownership, the Dodgers have emerged as a dominant force both on the field and in business, compiling star-laden rosters that have secured three of the last six World Series titles.
Walter completed his acquisition of the Lakers in October, obtaining majority ownership from Jeanie Buss and her family, based on a reported franchise valuation of $10 billion.
“Identifying an individual capable of succeeding Tim in managing the business operations of our organization was never going to be straightforward,” Buss stated. “The solution, we quickly recognized, was someone both Mark and I were familiar with — and who already grasped the values, culture, and dedication to excellence shared by both the Dodgers and the Lakers.”
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka mentioned earlier this month that the team plans to adopt elements of the Dodgers’ effective front-office model. The Lakers have historically been viewed as having one of the NBA’s leaner front offices, and Pelinka indicated that Walter’s Lakers aim to enhance their organizational depth and talent off the court.
Rosen’s career in sports began with the 1980s Showtime Lakers, where he worked as an intern and in the front office. He later became an agent and business associate of Magic Johnson before joining the Dodgers.
Jeanie Buss’ younger siblings, Joey and Jesse, departed their front-office roles shortly after Walter completed his acquisition. Jeanie Buss will continue to serve as the Lakers’ governor under Walter’s ownership for the foreseeable future.
