Jeanie Buss' Lakers ownership fight explained amid franchise sale
Key Points:
- The $12.5 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers has sparked a family feud among the Buss siblings, with Jeanie Buss fighting to maintain control as the team's governor despite her five siblings planning to sell their 17.8% stake to new owners Josh Kushner and Bob Iger.
- Jeanie Buss, who has been the controlling owner since 2013, argues that her siblings need her approval to sell their shares and maintain the minimum 15% ownership required by NBA rules for a team governor, a condition potentially jeopardized by the proposed sale.
- The five Buss siblings opposing Jeanie's stance have publicly declared their united decision to sell their remaining shares, expressing respect for the new owners and a desire to move on while supporting the Lakers and their fan base.
- The NBA has yet to approve the sale, and the dispute could delay the transition, leaving the Lakers' ownership and leadership status uncertain amid ongoing team retooling following LeBron James' departure.
- Under Jerry Buss, the Lakers won 10 NBA titles, and since his death, Jeanie Buss secured one championship in 2020; however, the franchise's future remains in flux both on and off the court as it rebuilds around star Luka Doncic.