Stan Kasten is a prominent figure in the world of basketball, having made significant contributions to the sport over the course of his career. He began his career as a sports executive in the 1970s, working for the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Braves. He later became the president of the Washington Nationals, where he oversaw the team's move to a new stadium and helped to build a winning team.
Kasten is perhaps best known for his role in the success of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s. He served as the team's general manager from 1982 to 1987, during which time the Lakers won three NBA championships. Kasten was instrumental in building the team's roster, which included such legendary players as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy.
After leaving the Lakers, Kasten went on to work for the Atlanta Braves, where he served as president from 1986 to 2003. During his tenure, the Braves won 14 division titles, five National League pennants, and one World Series championship. Kasten was widely credited with building a winning culture within the organization, and he was known for his innovative approach to team management.
In 2003, Kasten became the president of the Washington Nationals, a position he held until 2010. During his time with the team, he oversaw the construction of a new stadium and helped to build a competitive team. He was also involved in the development of the team's minor league system, which has produced several talented players in recent years.
In addition to his work in basketball, Kasten has also been involved in other sports. He served as the president of the Atlanta Thrashers, a professional hockey team, from 1999 to 2003. He was also involved in the development of the MLS team Atlanta United, which has quickly become one of the most successful franchises in the league.
Throughout his career, Kasten has been known for his innovative approach to team management and his ability to build winning teams. He has been recognized for his contributions to the sport with numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. Today, he continues to be involved in the world of sports as the president and CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he has helped to build a championship-winning team.
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