Buss Family to Sell Majority Stake in Los Angeles Lakers for Record $10 Billion: What This Means for Fans and the Future

The Buss family is selling a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This deal is worth about $10 billion, making it the most valuable purchase in professional sports history, according to the Associated Press.

Walter, who has been involved with the Lakers since 2021, is also the CEO of TWG Global, a company with interests in various sports teams, including the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and Chelsea FC in the Premier League.

The Lakers have a rich history. Jerry Buss bought the team in 1979 and led them to ten NBA titles before his passing in 2013. His daughter, Jeanie Buss, has since taken the reins. Under her leadership, the Lakers grabbed their 17th championship in 2020, led by superstar LeBron James.

Last season, the Lakers had a strong finish, ending in third place in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record. However, they were surprisingly eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite this, James still showed his greatness, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.

In a surprising twist, the Lakers made a major trade this offseason, acquiring NBA superstar Luka Doncic and other key players. They traded Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round draft pick in 2029. This move puts them in a strong position for the upcoming season.

LeBron signed a two-year, $104 million deal with the Lakers, keeping the team competitive for the next few years. Meanwhile, Rob Pelinka, the team’s general manager, mentioned that LeBron is closely monitoring how the roster develops this offseason.

As for Jeanie Buss, she will remain with the franchise even after the sale, ensuring some continuity for Lakers fans.

For more on the business of sports ownership, you can explore resources like the Sports Business Journal, which often tracks major deals in the industry.

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