Tag: Jesse Buss

Jesse Buss on why drafting the best player available is the way to go

Jesse Buss, a key member of the Lakers’ front office, explained his philosophy when it comes to drafting players.

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office has come under fire over the last several years for several reasons, but it seems like it has gotten its act together lately.

The team rescued itself from mediocrity by executing multiple trades midway through this past season, including the big Russell Westbrook trade. But the area in which it has perhaps excelled more than others is drafting. It has found a number of gems deep in the draft over the years while also hitting on a couple of undrafted players such as Austin Reaves.

There has always been a debate about whether teams should draft based on need or the best player available. Jesse Buss, the Lakers’ director of scouting and assistant general manager and the son of late former owner Dr. Jerry Buss, explained why he believes it’s better to draft the best player available (h/t Lakers Nation).

“I will say, we do take fit into consideration, but from my experience I’ve seen more mistakes made by drafting by fit and by immediate need as opposed to taking the most talented player. The most talented player is going to find a way to get on the court and produce. There’s many cases, but if we had taken a guy that maybe fit a better position for us at that time, we might’ve not ended up with Austin Reaves.”

This philosophy has apparently led to L.A. having a number of standouts during summer league play this year, including Max Christie, D’Moi Hodge and Jalen Hood-Schifino, the No. 17 pick by the Lakers last month.

There is hope that Hood-Schifino will turn into a solid contributor for them within the next couple of years, even though as a combo guard, he doesn’t play a position they need help at.

Joey Buss and Jesse Buss are carrying more weight for Lakers

The Lakers’ front office may be going with more of a collaborative effort than it did in the past.

One of the criticisms of the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office in recent years has been the immense pull LeBron James seems to have over personnel decisions.

The organization has also taken heat for promoting Kurt Rambis to the nebulous title of senior basketball adviser even though he lacks front office experience.

But one member of the organization fans and observers seem to think highly of is Jesse Buss, a younger brother of owner Jeanie Buss.

Jesse Buss has been in charge of the Lakers’ scouting department for years, and it appears he and his brother Joey Buss are starting to play a bigger role in the franchise’s decision-making process.

Via The Athletic:

“While (general manager Rob) Pelinka has been given the ultimate power to make these decisions, sources say there was a desire for the entire group to come to a consensus. It appears the voices of Joey and Jesse Buss are being considered among Lakers leaders now more than ever. If they were going to gamble on a make-or-break move of this magnitude, the thinking went, then everyone had to have confidence in the same vision. But when that wasn’t the case, sources say, the choice was made by Pelinka to remain patient and see, yet again, if (Russell) Westbrook might find a way to make this imperfect fit with the Lakers work.

“Only time will tell if this sort of collaboration is the new norm for Lakers leadership, which in recent years had kept its inner circle small with Jeanie Buss, Pelinka and Rambis. Ironically, the decision to bring Westbrook to town the prior summer in the trade with Washington was not made in this sort of fashion.”

When Jeanie Buss cleaned house several years ago by firing her brother Jim Buss, who was the executive vice president of basketball operations, she was criticized for hiring Pelinka instead of bringing in someone who was an experienced executive, such as Jerry West, the team’s legendary GM from years ago. Pelinka had been Kobe Bryant’s agent for much of the late guard’s illustrious career.

Many feel the Lakers need a better vision and improved decision-making from their front office to return to their accustomed position at the top of the NBA.

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“Just him showing flashes of being a …

“Just him showing flashes of being a good perimeter shooter with his shooting mechanics and being able to create his own shot off the dribble,” Buss told The Athletic of Christie’s skill set. “A high-IQ player, obviously, with his size and his length, at the two guard position.” When the Lakers were on the clock after acquiring the No. 35 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Christie was several spots higher than anyone else remaining on their draft board. Even though they didn’t work him out, they were more than comfortable selecting him after reviewing his film, watching him in person multiple times and interviewing him at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. “To be able to get a player of his caliber at the 35th pick, we feel really good about it,” Buss said.

All three finalists will soon meet with …

All three finalists will soon meet with top Lakers officials — including owner Jeanie Buss — in Los Angeles for the next in-person stage, sources said. So far, Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, director of basketball affairs Kurt Rambis, vice president of research and development Joey Buss and assistant general manager Jesse Buss have led the first stage of coaching interviews.