Stop me if you have heard this one before: the Los Angeles Lakers were just sold. Well, now, this is awkward, because there is still an article to write, but also cause for me to stop. Anyway...
The Lakers franchise has changed majority ownership yet again. Jeanie Buss' sale to Mark Walter's group was officially ratified less than a year ago. In what can only be described as a comically short turnaround time, Walter has handed off the organization to someone else. Ramona Shelburne had the scoop on the move no one really saw coming.
"The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to American businessman Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record breaking price over $12 billion, multiple sources told ESPN."
Shelburne noted that Kushner and Iger were involved in the expansion process for the coming Las Vegas franchise, before pivoting to the $12.5 billion offer that landed them the Lakers instead. Why take a consolation prize, when you can have a spot on the podium, right?
All of this reinvites the discussion of figuring out how Jeanie Buss fits in with the franchise moving forward. A key part of the sale to Walter's group involved Buss maintaining a position as governor of the organization. Does she keep that role with the arrivals of Kushner and Iger?
Jeanie Buss' role within the Lakers organization is once again up for discussion
Buss was expected to continue as the governor of the Lakers until 2030 under Walter. That was the agreement with the old majority ownership group. There is nothing currently suggesting Kushner and Iger would have to honor that commitment.
Granted, there is similarly nothing that would hint at Buss being immediately exiled from that job, either. There should be some added clarity as insiders and reporters dig through their sources and try to gather as much intel over the next few days as possible.
Until then, the question pivots to whether Buss should be the governor based on her track record with the franchise.
One could easily argue a figure of stability would be greatly valued for a franchise that is once again set to undergo changes in stewardship. Seeing Buss continue as governor would provide a familiar face to all the players, coaches, or otherwise who walk through those doors.
On the other hand, Buss had her fair share of lousy years as majority owner. Many fans blame her for the Lakers' decline during that time.
Which of those two arguments is louder and makes more sense? That much should be known in the coming fallout. What is clear now would be that this discussion is going nowhere.
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