LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have named Lon Rosen the new President of Business Operations, the team announced Thursday.
Lakers majority stakeholder and Dodgers owner Mark Walter continues to make his moves in the new era under his helm.
Rosen joins the Lakers after more than a decade with the L.A. Dodgers, where he served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer since 2012. Under his leadership, the Dodgers increased revenue every season, led Major League Baseball in attendance each year since 2013 and won three World Series.
The move marks a return to the organization where Rosen began his career. He interned with the Lakers while in college before becoming an executive in the team’s front office during the 1980s.
“For many years, I have seen the impact that Lon has had in our industry,” Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “Over that time, I have learned that not only is Lon a great person, but he also has a deep understanding of both sports and entertainment and a true feel for where this business is headed.”
Rosen replaces Tim Harris, who announced earlier this week in an internal email that he would step down after more than 30 years overseeing the Lakers’ business operations.
“Finding someone who could fill Tim’s shoes overseeing the business side of our organization would never be easy,” Buss said. “The answer, we soon realized, was someone both Mark and I knew well — and who already understood the values, culture and commitment to excellence of both the Dodgers and the Lakers.”
Rosen also brings familiarity with the Walter-led ownership group, having worked closely with Walter during his tenure with the Dodgers.
Rosen emphasized adaptability as a core priority in his new role for the franchise.
“I’m beyond grateful to Jeanie and Mark for trusting me with this incredible opportunity,” Rosen said. “As everyone knows, the economics of the sports business are constantly changing — and they will continue to do so. But at root, my job is a simple one: figuring out how to do right by our employees and our partners while ensuring that the Lakers continue to provide an unparalleled experience for our fans in Los Angeles and around the world.”
Rosen added that he looks forward to working alongside Buss, general manager Rob Pelinka and the rest of the Lakers’ front office as the organization enters its next chapter under Walter.
The Lakers sit 33-21 for fifth place in the Western Conference at the tail end of the All-Star break. Their next game is Friday against the Clippers in the fourth cross-town matchup this season.