Lon Rosen named Lakers' president of business operations

Rosen, the Dodgers' executive vice president and chief marketing officer since 2012, joins controlling owner Mark Walter as the Lakers continue to restructure.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Lon Rosen, the Dodgers' executive vice president and chief marketing officer since 2012, has been named president of business operations of the Lakers, the franchise announced Thursday morning. Rosen replaces Tim Harris and will work alongside Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss and president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka to help build out the Lakers' business operations.

Why it matters

Rosen's hiring is part of the Lakers' ongoing efforts to restructure and revamp their business operations, drawing on his experience in growing the Dodgers' revenue streams and sponsorship deals, including expanding into Asia through player acquisitions.

The details

Rosen began his career as an intern with The Forum, eventually facilitating the Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Lakers as the director of promotions for the venue from 1980-1987, before becoming Magic Johnson's agent. He's been vital to growing the Dodgers' league-leading revenue streams and sponsorship deals, which have now broken into Asia through the player acquisitions of two-way star Shohei Ohtani, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and pitcher Roki Sasaki from Japan, as well as infielder Hyeseong Kim from South Korea.

  • Rosen was named Lakers' president of business operations on February 19, 2026.
  • Rosen has been spotted in and around Crypto.com Arena in recent weeks, often speaking with team personnel while on site.

The players

Lon Rosen

Rosen is the former executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2012, and has now been named the president of business operations for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jeanie Buss

Jeanie Buss is the Lakers' governor and controlling owner, who expressed her confidence in Rosen's abilities to help continue building out the Lakers' business operations.

Rob Pelinka

Rob Pelinka is the Lakers' president of basketball operations and general manager, who will work alongside Rosen to help restructure and revamp the team's business operations.

Mark Walter

Mark Walter is the controlling owner of the Lakers, who is supporting the team's efforts to restructure and revamp their business operations.

Tim Harris

Tim Harris was the previous president of business operations for the Lakers, and has now been replaced by Lon Rosen.

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What they’re saying

“For many years, I have seen the impact that Lon has had in our industry. 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.”

— Jeanie Buss, Lakers Governor (dailynews.com)

“Looking at the Dodgers and how they built it out has been a great sort of example and North Star. And so we're still going through that process of how we'll look in the offseason and what additions we'll make. But there will be some positive changes and we will build things out, again, led by myself and Jeanie, and with Mark's support.”

— Rob Pelinka, Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager (dailynews.com)

“I'm beyond grateful to Jeanie and Mark for trusting me with this incredible opportunity. 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. I look forward to working alongside Jeanie, Rob and the whole front-office team to make that happen.”

— Lon Rosen (dailynews.com)

What’s next

The Lakers will continue to work on restructuring and revamping their business operations under Lon Rosen's leadership, with a focus on growing revenue streams, sponsorship deals, and providing an exceptional fan experience.

The takeaway

Lon Rosen's hiring as the Lakers' president of business operations is a strategic move by the team's leadership to leverage his experience in growing the Dodgers' business operations, as the Lakers look to modernize and strengthen their own business model in an evolving sports landscape.