Los Angeles Lakers are naming Lon Rosen as president of business operations, the team announced via press release on Thursday morning.
It's a homecoming of sorts for Rosen, who started his career as an intern at the Forum and worked his way up the ladder to director of promotions for the Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, and special events from 1980-1987. Since 2012, he's been the executive president and chief marketing officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"For many years, I have seen the impact that Lon has had in our industry," Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in the 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."
In addition to his ties to new Lakers majority owner Mark Walter, who also owns the Dodgers, Rosen is also a longtime business partner of Magic Johnson, who, according to his bio on the Dodgers staff directory, was his first client after leaving the Lakers to start his sports marketing company. Rosen previously worked for Magic Johnson Enterprises before taking the Dodgers job 14 years ago.
Earlier this week, Tim Harris, the team's current president of business ops, informed staff that this would be his final season after over 35 years with the Lakers organization. A member of Buss' inner circle, Harris was considered instrumental in the Lakers' $3 billion, 20-year local broadcast rights deal with Charter Communications that created Spectrum SportsNet.
"I'm beyond grateful to Mark and Jeanie for trusting me with this incredible opportunity," Rosen said in the statement. "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."
The team's front office overhaul in the aftermath of Walter's $10 billion purchase looks like it's starting to take shape. The entire scouting department was let go in November, which included Joey and Jesse Buss. The Athletic's Dan Woike reported last week that the Lakers are set to make "significant hires to a wide range of front-office positions this summer" and model themselves after the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers.
Rosen is just the first piece.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers name Lon Rosen as new president of business operations