A family feud within the Lakers organization erupts, exposing dysfunction and power plays threatening the franchise’s legacy.
Story Highlights
- Jesse Buss publicly criticizes sister Jeanie and GM Rob Pelinka after his firing.
- The firing of Joey and Jesse Buss marks an unprecedented move in Lakers history.
- Jeanie Buss consolidates power, raising concerns about governance and family dynamics.
- Potential long-term impact on the Lakers’ operational structure and family relations.
Public Criticism and Family Feud
On November 21, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers dismissed Joey and Jesse Buss from their roles managing the South Bay Lakers and the team’s scouting department, respectively. Jesse Buss, in a candid interview with The Athletic, sharply criticized his sister, Jeanie Buss, and GM Rob Pelinka. He distanced himself from recent controversial draft decisions, exposing deep-seated dysfunction and power struggles within the Lakers’ ownership and operations.
This public airing of grievances highlights the rarely-seen internal conflicts in the Buss family, which has owned the Lakers since Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the team in 1979. The firing of part-owners Joey and Jesse marks an unprecedented move, signaling a possible shift in control and future direction for the franchise.
Jesse Buss eviscerates sister Jeanie and exposes Lakers dysfunction after firing https://t.co/hOVKB2skwk pic.twitter.com/I9A12UfmX6
— New York Post (@nypost) November 21, 2025
Organizational Instability
The decision to fire Joey and Jesse Buss was not publicly announced by the Lakers, leading to speculation and media scrutiny. Jesse Buss’s interview not only criticized Jeanie and Pelinka but also clarified his lack of involvement in recent draft picks, such as Jaylen Hood-Schifino, which he attributed solely to Pelinka. This has led to a restructuring of the scouting and player development departments, likely consolidating Pelinka’s power even further.
The organizational instability is compounded by longstanding tensions between Jeanie Buss and her brothers over basketball operations. Despite the successful player development credited to Jesse and Joey, recent years have seen controversial personnel moves and declining team performance, which Jesse claims were beyond his control.
Future Implications for the Lakers
In the short term, the Lakers face negative media attention and possible disruption in their operations. Long-term implications could include a shift in the Lakers’ operational structure and diminished influence of the Buss family outside of Jeanie. This incident risks further family and ownership disputes, raising questions about the governance of family-owned sports franchises.
The fallout from this family feud and public criticism highlights the delicate balance needed in managing legacy, control, and professional management within family-run franchises. It also underscores the potential need for other NBA teams to reconsider their governance structures to prevent similar issues.
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Jesse Buss eviscerates sister Jeanie and exposes Lakers dysfunction after firing
Jesse Buss eviscerates sister Jeanie and exposes Lakers dysfunction after firing
