Los Angeles Lakers Sold for $12.5 Billion; Buss Family Era Ends

PUBLISHED Aug 19, 2026, 4:10 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are moving toward a second ownership change in a year, with Bob Iger and Josh Kushner agreeing to acquire Mark Walter’s controlling interest at a record $12.5 billion valuation. The agreement, announced Aug. 12, still requires NBA Board of Governors approval and due diligence. The Buss family’s remaining 17.8% stake has since become a separate point of dispute. Five siblings—Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss—say they intend to sell their shares to Iger and Kushner, while Lakers governor Jeanie Buss contests the move through attorney Adam Streisand. She argues a 2017 court ruling and trust structure require co-trustee approval. The NBA requires governors to hold at least 15%, meaning completion of the minority sale could affect Jeanie Buss’s position. Luka Dončić has publicly welcomed the incoming ownership of the franchise. Reports of Rob Pelinka’s possible replacement remain unconfirmed. The transaction remains pending and legally contested.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 31
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 3
Neutral:: 26

Explain Framing

Left: Left coverage emphasizes wealth concentration, governance conflict, and institutional power. Center: Center coverage emphasizes transaction status, competing claims, approvals, and uncertainty. Right: Right coverage emphasizes business value, ownership freedom, and franchise growth.