The Los Angeles Lakers announced Thursday that longtime sports executive Lon Rosen will take over as the organization’s new president of business operations, marking a return to a franchise where his professional career first began.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Rosen will replace outgoing executive Tim Harris as the team approaches the final stretch of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Harris informed colleagues earlier this week that he intends to step down following the conclusion of the season after serving in a leadership role that included overseeing major media and business initiatives.

Rosen has spent more than a decade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer since 2012.

During his tenure, the Dodgers experienced significant business growth while also sustaining on-field success. That included multiple World Series championships and consistently strong attendance and brand expansion.

His connection to the Lakers, however, dates back much further. Rosen originally joined the organization as a college intern before moving into a full-time executive position in the 1980s, gaining early experience in the business side of professional sports and entertainment.

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss praised Rosen’s track record and long-standing influence across the industry, highlighting his understanding of both evolving sports economics and fan engagement.

“For many years, I have seen the impact that Lon has had in our industry,” Buss said in a team statement, emphasizing his strategic vision and leadership experience.

Harris’ tenure included a major role in negotiating the franchise’s landmark regional television agreement with Charter Communications that led to the creation of Spectrum SportsNet in 2011, a deal that significantly reshaped the team’s media presence.

In a statement released by the Lakers, Rosen expressed appreciation for the opportunity and acknowledged the rapidly changing financial landscape of professional sports.

He noted that his focus will center on strengthening relationships with employees, partners, and fans while maintaining the Lakers’ global brand presence.

Rosen is expected to work closely with Buss, general manager Rob Pelinka, and minority owner Mark Walter as the organization continues to expand its business operations both locally and internationally.

The move represents another crossover between Los Angeles’ two premier franchises, with Rosen transitioning from a key executive role in Major League Baseball back to the NBA spotlight.

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