Los Angeles Lakers Ownership Dispute: Jeanie Buss Challenges Siblings' Sale Plan
Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss is contesting her siblings' plan to sell the family's 17.8% minority ownership stake in the team to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, according to a letter obtained Monday by The Associated Press. The sale would end Jeanie Buss' tenure as the Lakers' governor because that job requires at least 15% ownership of the team.
Why it Matters for Los Angeles Lakers
The decision to sell the family's remaining interest in the Lakers would be a significant development for the team. Jeanie Buss has been the Lakers' governor since Jerry Buss' death in 2013, and she led the family's decision to sell a controlling stake in the Lakers to Dodgers owner Mark Walter last year at a valuation of $10 billion.
What Comes Next?
Venture capitalist Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger are reportedly buying about 65% of the team from Walter. They would own about 83% if they reach a deal with the Buss siblings - and Jeanie Buss would lose the governor role that she had been slated to keep at least through 2030 under the deal with Walter.
The Buss siblings have been in frequent conflict since their father's death, with Jeanie firing Jim from his job as the Lakers' head of basketball operations in 2017, followed a week later by a lawsuit against her brothers amid an attempt by Jim and Johnny to oust Jeanie from her role as the Lakers' controlling owner.
Recent Form
The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a tough stretch, having lost their last five games, including a 110-115 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026. Their recent form has been a concern for fans and the team's management.
In his letter, Jeanie Buss' attorney, Adam Streisand, stated that any decision to sell the family trust's ownership stake could not be "effectuated without approval of the current co-trustees, Jeanie, Janie, and Joey Buss." The letter further states that the co-trustees "are bound to vote the Los Angeles Lakers, Inc. shares to ensure that the minimum 15% ownership requirement is maintained in order to ensure that Jeanie Buss may remain Controlling Owner.
The Buss family has released a statement saying, "We have decided as a family to sell the remaining Buss Family Trust shares to the Bob Iger group as part of the ongoing transaction. We love the Lakers, Laker fans, and will continue to support Los Angeles, but it is time to use this opportunity to move on and exit gracefully while we still can."
In his letter, Streisand also accused Joey and Jesse Buss of leaking information to ESPN for many years "for the malicious purpose of doing harm to the Los Angeles Lakers so long as Dr. Buss's chosen successor, Jeanie Buss, carries out her father's wishes."
The sale of the Lakers would be a significant development in the world of professional sports, with the team being valued at $12.5 billion, a record for a pro sports team. The sale would also mark a new era for the Lakers, with Josh Kushner and Bob Iger taking the reins as the new owners of the team.
The Buss family's decision to sell the remaining interest in the Lakers would be a significant change for the team, and it remains to be seen how the team will perform under new ownership. The Los Angeles Lakers are a beloved franchise, and fans will be watching closely to see how the team will fare under the new ownership group.
