Lakers layoffs hit multiple departments amid franchise overhaul

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to undergo significant organizational changes under new ownership.

According to multiple reports, the Lakers laid off more than a dozen employees Wednesday across several departments as part of a broader restructuring effort following the franchise’s sale from the Buss family to businessman Mark Walter at a reported $10 billion valuation.

ESPN reported the layoffs impacted areas including marketing, communications, content and corporate partnerships.

Meanwhile, the organization has also made several high-profile additions on both the business and basketball sides over recent months.

Lon Rosen replaced longtime executive Tim Harris as president of business operations, while Michael Spetner and Ryan Kantor were added in prominent business leadership roles.

On the basketball side, the Lakers recently hired former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as a draft consultant and adviser, along with analytics specialist Rohan Ramadas as assistant general manager of strategy and data systems.

Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka also said the franchise plans to continue heavily investing in player development infrastructure, including adding biomechanics, movement and recovery labs at the team’s UCLA Health Training Center.

“It’s a full rebuild and retool,” Pelinka said recently. “Elevating it and bringing it to the next level.”

The Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.