The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move by appointing Lon Rosen as their new president of business operations. Rosen, who began his journey with the Lakers back in the 1980s, brings a wealth of experience from his 14-year tenure as the executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
During his time with the Dodgers, Rosen played a pivotal role in revitalizing the brand. He spearheaded landmark partnerships, expanded global fan engagement, and drove an aggressive digital growth strategy.
Now, he steps into the shoes of Tim Harris, who announced earlier this week that this season would be his last after more than 35 years with the Lakers and The Forum. Harris was instrumental in securing the massive local TV rights deal with Spectrum SportsNet.
Rosen's new role places him at the helm of one of the most prestigious franchises in sports. Known for his prominence in the sports and entertainment industry, the 67-year-old is expected to bring his expertise to further elevate the Lakers' business operations.
This strategic hire aligns with the vision of Mark Walter, the majority owner of both the Lakers and Dodgers. The two teams have been collaborating closely, particularly in basketball operations. Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has spoken highly of this partnership.
"It's been great to have outside allies and advocates," Pelinka noted. "Looking at the Dodgers and the success they've had, and being able to tap into someone like Andrew Friedman for best practices, has been invaluable.
He's incredibly smart and has done an amazing job bringing championships to the Dodgers. Having someone like that to consult on roster or staff moves is an incredible resource."
Walter's acquisition of the Lakers for a staggering $10 billion in June 2024 underscores the commitment to excellence. The Lakers are keen on implementing the successful strategies from the Dodgers as they aim to reclaim their spot at the pinnacle of the NBA.