Lakers Name Lon Rosen President of Business Operations
The Los Angeles Lakers have hired longtime Dodgers executive Lon Rosen as the team's new president of business operations. Rosen's appointment is seen as a move to bring seasoned leadership to one of the city's most prominent sports franchises. The change signals a new era in the Lakers' business strategy.
- This marks a return to the Lakers for Rosen, who began his career as an intern for the team while at USC before serving as its director of promotions from 1980 to 1987 during the "Showtime" era. - As the Dodgers' executive vice president and chief marketing officer since 2012, Rosen oversaw a period where the team led Major League Baseball in attendance every season since 2013 and consistently increased its revenue. - The appointment follows the recent majority stake acquisition of the Lakers by Mark Walter, who is also the owner of the Dodgers, signaling a move to emulate the baseball team's successful front-office structure. - Rosen replaces Tim Harris, who is stepping down after more than three decades with the organization. Harris was instrumental in securing the Lakers' landmark 20-year, $3 billion local television deal with Spectrum SportsNet. - The move is part of a larger leadership shuffle under the new ownership, which also saw the departure of Jeanie Buss's younger brothers, Joey and Jesse, from their front-office roles. - Rosen has a long-standing professional relationship with Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, having served as his personal agent since 1987 and working with him at Magic Johnson Enterprises.
