The Los Angeles Lakers were sold after barely one year of ownership by Mark Walter. This sale has raised questions about the way private equity firms are treating NBA teams.
What happened?
The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers is not an isolated incident, as the Minnesota Timberwolves were also sold recently. The Timberwolves' co-owner Marc Lore sold his stake in the team to Marc Stad, who will become the controlling owner and largest shareholder of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx.
The Los Angeles Lakers' sale was prompted by Mark Walter facing federal investigations of investments made by his insurance companies. He is also selling his share of Chelsea FC. The Lakers were sold at a valuation of $12.5B, after being bought at a $10B valuation last year.
Why it matters for Los Angeles Lakers
The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves has sparked concerns about the way NBA teams are being treated as assets. Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob expressed surprise at the sale, saying "This isn't flipping a house!" However, the recent sales suggest that private equity firms are indeed treating NBA teams as flippable assets.
The Los Angeles Lakers' last result was a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder (2026-05-12). The team has been struggling, with a recent form of 0W-0D-5L.
What comes next?
The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves will likely have significant implications for the NBA. The league will need to consider the impact of private equity firms treating teams as assets, rather than focusing on winning basketball games. The Los Angeles Lakers will need to adjust to new ownership, and the team's fans will be watching closely to see how the sale affects the team's performance on the court.
The NBA has a history of teams being sold, but the recent sales have been notable for their speed and the massive profits made by the sellers. The Los Angeles Lakers' sale is a significant development in the NBA, and it will be interesting to see how the team performs under new ownership. Last result: Los Angeles Lakers 110-115 Oklahoma City Thunder (2026-05-12), and the team has lost the last 5 games, with a recent form of 0W-0D-5L.
