Los Angeles Lakers fans have been dreaming of a beautiful future under Mark Walter ever since the announcement of the record-breaking sale. Los Angeles Dodgers president Andrew Friedman reassured fans that Walter should be everything they are currently imagining.
In an interview with Kyle Kraska, Friedman applauded the efforts by the Buss family to get the Lakers to where they are now. The Dodgers executive was also comfortable in expressing his feelings on the 'good news' about Walter's upcoming takeover.
"[Walter] is incredibly competitive, wants to win so badly, and he feels so much pressure to the fans," Friedman stated. "[Walter] appreciates that partnership between the fans and organization, and what that means. He is constantly putting pressure on us to do whatever we can to win."
The sale of majority ownership stake in the Lakers is still being processed behind the scenes. Walter's takeover should align perfectly with what the franchise hopes to accomplish over the next few years.
Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles will be well-supported by Mark Walter
In anticipation of a contract extension for Luka Doncic, Dave McMenamin of ESPN appeared on NBA Today and reminded everyone of something important. The Lakers superstar wants to win now.
"I spoke to someone close to Luka over the weekend and they told me that Luka's mentality is win now" - @mcten pic.twitter.com/zSZ6kNrhTZ
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 29, 2025
That sure sounds like a similar thought process to the man who will be residing over the Lakers in the near future. There is an obvious caveat here.
Since news of the sale broke, more information has become available, specifically about some of the power dynamics in play. One of the main talking points has been just how long Jeanie Buss is still expected to retain her role as governor of the team.
With Buss rumored to be sticking around for 'at least the next five years,' fans have wondered how, when, and where Walter's impact on the team can be felt. The pocket book should be the most prominent answer in the immediate future.
Fixing overlooked departments and bolstering front office personnel should be some of the main ways in which the Lakers benefit in the short term. The Dodgers continue to be the best source for understanding that impact. Dave Roberts spoke to willingness of Walter to equip his teams well.
The Dodgers manager said, "I think he does everything he can to provide resources and support.”
With Doncic set to enter the most important years of his NBA career, the calming presence of having Walter behind him should offer plenty of reason to believe in the future of the Lakers. Minimizing the missteps of the past with a big, fat checkbook will be a welcomed sight.