The news was first reported by NBA insider Shams Charania on his official X account (formerly known as Twitter). In the post, the reporter also stated that Jeanie Buss, the current controlling owner and team president, “will continue to serve in her role as Governor after the sale.”

If completed, the sale would stand as one of the most lucrative transactions ever: Jerry Buss acquired the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million, and now, 46 years later, the valuation is “approximately $10 billion, the largest sale of a professional sports franchise in the world,” according to Charania.

That means the Lakers’ value has multiplied nearly 140 times over the past five decades. The reasons for that rise are numerous, but one major factor is the NBA’s massive global exposure, a trend that began in the 1980s with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird and reached new heights in the 1990s with Michael Jordan.

Who is Mark Walter, the potential new majority owner of the Lakers?

Mark Walter is a 65-year-old businessman born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who serves as the chief executive officer of Guggenheim Partners, a global financial services firm. But beyond that, Walter has strong ties to the world of sports.

He is the primary owner and chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of Major League Baseball’s most prominent teams, as well as of Andretti Global, which competes in the Cadillac Formula 1, and the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Los Angeles Sparks.

Walter also owns the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and holds stakes in organizations across other sports, including soccer (England’s Chelsea and France’s RC Strasbourg). Since 2021, he has owned 20% of the Los Angeles Lakers.

How many titles have the Lakers won under the Buss family?

The impact of Jerry Buss on the Lakers was monumental. When he bought the franchise in 1979, they hadn’t won an NBA championship in seven years—and in his very first season, they reached the top by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980 NBA Finals.

That marked the beginning of a golden era for the team, with five championships and four more Finals appearances in just over a decade, led by head coach Pat Riley and a roster that featured superstars like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy.

After another championship drought, Phil Jackson arrived in 1999 and sparked a new dynasty. With Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal dominating on the court, the Lakers won three straight titles from 2000 to 2002, and later, two more in 2009 and 2010—this time without the big man.

Following Jackson’s departure, the franchise entered a period of instability, with frequent coaching changes and disappointing performances. The lone bright spot came during the 2019–2020 season, when LeBron James led the team to its 17th NBA championship.

In an interview with National Public Radio (NPR), Buss revealed that Davis had expressed dissatisfaction with his role on the team, which played a significant part in the decision to pursue the trade with Dallas.

“We gave up a lot to get Luka Doncic. We’re happy we have him,” Buss said. “We’ve lost to the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs three years in a row, and we didn’t have anything that was going to look different heading into this year’s postseason. Anthony Davis was complaining about where he was being played, and he wasn’t happy. So I think this was a positive move for both teams”.

Anthony Davis had previously voiced his preference for playing power forward instead of center, a sentiment he reiterated when he spoke with Shams Charania on ESPN earlier this year.

“I think we need another big… I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been at the four [power forward] and having a big out there,” Davis explained in January. “We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale [McGee] and Dwight [Howard] at the five [center] and I’m at the four”.

Buss calls the trade a win-win

Despite losing a key player who contributed to their last championship, Buss believes the trade benefited both the Lakers and Mavericks. “They [Mavericks] got what they were looking for; we got what we were looking for,” Buss stated.

“I didn’t realize it was going to be international news like it was, but that’s the power of the Laker brand and its ability to draw big names who want to write their own chapter in Lakers history,” she added.

Keeping the deal under wraps

The secrecy surrounding the trade negotiations took the NBA world by surprise, including Doncic and Davis. Buss highlighted the importance of maintaining confidentiality to ensure the deal went through without distractions.

“It was really important to me that we didn’t blow up the team,” Buss said ahead of the Lakers’ matchup against the Timberwolves, via ESPN. “If it had leaked out and the trade hadn’t happened, that would’ve been really unfair to the progress the coaching staff had made with the team. Because it’s a huge distraction”.

Buss acknowledged the stress surrounding the trade deadline and took pride in how smoothly the organization handled the negotiations. “The trade deadline is part of the business. It increases the level of stress for everybody,” she noted. “I’m really proud that it didn’t leak out and that we were able to execute the trade in a way that surprised everyone involved. But that’s part of this business”.

The deal shocked fans and insiders alike due to the secrecy of the negotiations. Even Doncic and Davis were blindsided by the move. Buss emphasized how crucial it was to keep the talks confidential to ensure the deal’s success.

“It was really important to me that we didn’t blow up the team,” Buss said before the Lakers’ win over the Timberwolves, via ESPN. “If it had leaked out and the trade hadn’t happened, that would be really unfair to the progress that the coaching staff had made with the team. Because it’s a huge distraction”.

“The trade deadline is part of the business. It increases the level of stress for everybody,” she added. “And I’m really proud that it didn’t leak out and that we were able to execute the trade in a way that still was surprising to all the parties involved. But that goes with this business”.

Buss reflects on what her father would think of Doncic joining the team

Jerry Buss, the iconic Lakers owner from 1979 until his passing in 2013, left a lasting legacy that Jeanie has carried forward. Ahead of Thursday’s matchup against the Timberwolves, Buss was asked how her father might feel about Luka Doncic joining the Lakers.

“He’d be very proud,” she said. “When you get a player of that stature, you have to give up a lot. But it’s like, my dad was such a great poker player, and he said that he always wanted me to remember that poker was a game of patience”.

“That you had to wait for the right cards, but once you got the cards, you had to go from zero to 100 and play the cards and not be afraid to play them,” she explained. “So it was difficult because we were not looking to trade Anthony Davis or Max Christie. But it was a deal that he would’ve made, and we had to go for it”.

Jeanie Buss on JJ Redick’s coaching gamble

Discussing bold moves, Buss also spoke about the decision to hire JJ Redick as the Lakers’ head coach. While initially hesitant about bringing in a rookie coach, she felt confident in Redick’s ability to collaborate with General Manager Rob Pelinka.

“I was worried about hiring a rookie coach,” Buss admitted. “This team is so important to this community, and to bring in a rookie coach that had no experience before, that was a big leap. But I knew that [Redick and Pelinka] would work well together, and I love watching the progress that they’re making”.

The Slovenian superstar has played just two games since joining the Lakers, averaging 15 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Although this marks Buss’s first public comments on the trade, she previously spoke with Doncic during his official introduction to the team.

In a video shared by the Lakers, Buss offered an inspiring prediction to Doncic during their first meeting: “There is so much Laker history, but guess what, you’re going to have your own section of Lakers history and you’re going to add to our story,” she told him.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Buss expressed excitement over Doncic’s arrival but acknowledged the high cost of bringing him to Los Angeles. “Luka is a very special player. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the Laker team, but we had to give up a lot to get him,” Buss said. “We’re going to miss Anthony Davis and Max Christie. It’s like you’re always trying to improve the team, get a little bit better and, ultimately, win a championship”.

Luka Doncic praises JJ Redick

When Doncic arrived in Los Angeles, he was reunited with a familiar face in Dorian Finney-Smith. Additionally, Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who was Doncic’s teammate during their time together with the Dallas Mavericks, added another layer of familiarity.

After his second game with the Lakers, Doncic spoke highly of Redick’s work as a first-year head coach. “Great. He’s a great coach. I know it’s only his first year, but it doesn’t feel like it,” Doncic said to Spectrum SportsNet. “It feels like he’s been here for 15 years. So props to him, and I can’t wait to be coached more by him”.

Shaquille O’Neal’s bold request to the Mavericks

The trade didn’t just leave Lakers fans buzzing—it also prompted a strong reaction from NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. During a segment on The Big Podcast, Shaq called out the Dallas Mavericks, questioning their reasoning behind trading their franchise star.

“Why did you trade one of the best players in the league?” O’Neal asked. “Nobody’s really given an answer. We want to know. Dirk (Nowitzki) wants to know. Mark Cuban wants to know. All of Dallas wants to know”.

Shaq also had a pointed request for Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison. “I want Nico to say, ‘This is why we traded him,’” Shaq continued. “In the treachery of the business of basketball, people just need to come out and say it”.

Jeanie Buss has long been more than just a familiar face courtside—she was the first female controlling owner to win an NBA title, a business mind shaped by legacy and bold decisions. Now, her financial profile is back in the spotlight.

With the Buss family selling their majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to billionaire Mark Walter, the team enters a new era. But she, who retains a significant share and remains team governor, continues to play a central role.

Her net worth reflects decades at the helm of one of the NBA’s most valuable teams, as well as investments beyond basketball. In a league where power often hides behind the scenes, she has always stood front and center.

What is Jeanie Buss’ net worth?

Jeanie Buss has managed to build an impressive fortune throughout her career, becoming a key figure in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers. As of 2025, her current net worth is $1 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Her involvement with the team began in 1983, working in areas such as marketing, public relations and management, which positioned her as one of the key players within the organization, with a promising future ahead.

Over time, her business acumen and strategic vision led her to take on the role of president of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, making her one of the most influential women in the basketball world.

Her greatest source of wealth has undoubtedly been her ownership stake in the team, as the franchise has significantly increased in value under her leadership, currently valued at over $10 billion, as Forbes reported.

In addition to the Lakers, she has diversified her income streams through her involvement in Women of Wrestling (WOW), a female wrestling organization that promotes the inclusion of women in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

Her impact goes beyond her financial success. As one of the most powerful women in the sports world, she has been an inspiration to many, especially women who wish to venture into the sports and business industries.

Jeanie Buss’ real estate holdings

Jeanie Buss’s business acumen also extends to other investments, including real estate and various commercial projects. While her wealth primarily comes from the Lakers, her family has a history of real estate investments.

One of the most notable properties is the family home once owned by her father, Jerry Buss. This mansion, located in the exclusive Brentwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, is considered one of the most luxurious properties.

In 2019, she sold her home in Playa Vista for $2.575 million, a price higher than what she paid in 2017 ($2.45 million). Although it was originally listed for $225,000, she accepted the price reduction after making some improvements.

This home, with nearly 3,200 square feet of living space, was located on a corner lot and featured a number of attractive amenities, such as a flagstone patio, French doors, and a three-car garage.

Additionally, she is believed to own another property in Playa Vista, a four-bedroom condo she purchased in 2018. This acquisition further reinforces her interest in the area and her ability to secure valuable properties in LA.

However, rebuilding won’t be an easy feat for the Lakers. The hefty contracts of LeBron James and Anthony Davis place a substantial strain on the team’s salary cap, severely limiting their flexibility in the market.

With their two superstars tied to expensive deals, the Lakers are essentially stuck. Moving either player would be extremely complicated due to their contract clauses and high market value.

Amid the team’s struggles, analysts like Jason Timpf have called for a radical overhaul. Timpf suggests that the Lakers should embark on a full rebuild, which includes trading both LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He believes the franchise needs fresh leadership on and off the court.

“I think they should trade LeBron [James] and AD [Davis],” Timpf said on the Hoops Tonight podcast. “Start the rebuild. Jeanie Buss needs to fire Rob Pelinka and hire someone who truly understands basketball. They need a fresh start.”

The Lakers’ Uncertain Future in the NBA

The future of the Lakers is hanging in the balance. With an aging core, salary cap limitations, and the difficulty of making significant roster changes, the franchise is facing a monumental challenge.

Despite the calls for a rebuild, the Los Angeles Lakers’ path forward in the NBA remains unclear. The decision on how to move forward rests with Jeanie Buss, who will need to evaluate all options carefully. Her choice will have a significant impact on the franchise’s direction for years to come.

Lakers owner knows there’s only one way to quiet the critics: through their performance on the court. Speaking with the L.A. Times’ Chuck Schilken, she emphasized the importance of action over words. “You’ve really got to play basketball and win games. I know the criticism out there. I know social media is rough waters for everybody. There’s always controversy being stirred up on social media,” Buss said.

“That’s why it doesn’t really serve me to hype everything up. It’s just, you gotta do the work,” she continued. “That’s how our organization operates. We do the work. We worry about what we can control and let the work speak for itself.”

Christian Wood misses training camp due to injury

Lakers forward/center Christian Wood, who missed part of last season and the playoffs with a knee injury, has undergone another procedure. Initially thought to be recovering well, Wood required an arthroscopy on his left knee. The team announced that he will be reevaluated in eight weeks, which sidelines him for the start of the regular season.

In an official statement, the Lakers said: “Lakers forward/center Christian Wood underwent a successful arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left knee today. The procedure was performed by Dr. Kristofer J. Jones at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Wood will be reevaluated by team doctors in approximately eight weeks.”

Shaq predicts rough start for the Lakers

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently shared his thoughts on the Lakers’ upcoming season, predicting a challenging beginning under new head coach JJ Redick. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Shaq said he expects the Purple and Gold to face some early struggles.

“I think they’re going to have a rough start, personally,” O’Neal said. “LeBron and AD will do their part to keep everyone focused, but I’ve always said that if you truly respect your coach, you’ll go out and play hard for them.”

Drawing from his own experience, Shaq added: “I was lucky to play for guys like Phil Jackson and Pat Riley—coaches who knew what they were doing. No disrespect to other coaches, but there were times when I’d think, ‘I don’t know if that’s going to work.’”

O’Neal also questioned whether Lakers players would fully buy into Redick’s system. “My question is: Will the players be fully locked in when JJ Redick talks? We don’t know, but we’ll see.”

LeBron has made it clear, though, that “dad” won’t fly during game time. “At home, I’m ‘Dad.’ But on the court, he’s gotta call me ‘2-3,’ ‘Bron,’ or even ‘GOAT’ if he wants. It’s up to him,” LeBron said during an episode of The Shop.

Jeanie Buss recently spoke on the topic in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, referencing her experience with her father, the late Dr. Jerry Buss, who owned the Lakers before her. “You know, I never had that conversation with LeBron or Bronny, but in business situations, I always addressed my father as Dr. Buss,” she told Chuck Schilken.

“I wanted to keep that boundary clear because that helped us — we weren’t bringing work home to the dinner table. So I think LeBron and Bronny are very prepared for this. And I’m excited for them to have this opportunity,” Buss concluded.

LeBron James eager to share the court with Bronny

As LeBron nears the unprecedented milestone of playing alongside his son, Bronny, excitement is building. The Los Angeles Lakers are set to make NBA history at Crypto.com Arena, with LeBron and Bronny potentially suiting up together.

In a recent episode of The Shop, LeBron opened up about his anticipation. “I’m so excited for training camp,” he said. “Having your son work with you is like the greatest thing. I can’t wait for this moment. It’s going to be pretty surreal for me. That might be the first time I sit back and think, ‘this is really cool.’”

Jeanie Buss explains decision to hire JJ Redick

In an interview on the Petros and Money Show on AM 570, Buss discussed the recent hiring of JJ Redick, giving insight into why the organization chose him as their new head coach.

“We wanted to think differently,” Buss said. “He’s got a vision. I’m not comfortable talking about the basketball specifics, but we were looking for a candidate who would bring something new and really focus on developing young players.”

Buss made it clear that the Lakers are fully behind Redick as he takes on the challenge of leading one of the NBA’s most high-profile teams. “J.J. is the right person for us. He knows what this league is about, and I think he’ll be a great leader.”

Buss highlighted James’ dedication and leadership, both on and off the court. The Lakers executive, via Chuck Schilken of the L.A. Times, praised his work ethic and impact on the team:

“He consistently delivers. He puts in the work. He’s not only a worldwide brand, but he is our leader. He’s the captain of our team and he sets the tone, sets the pace by putting in the hard work. Nobody can complain about the work if you see somebody with his resume and his longevity of career. Nobody can complain about having to practice if he’s willing to do it. And he does. He just amazes me. I don’t know what else to say.”

“In terms of my expectations for the team, I can sit here and tell you — Lakers always play for a championship, as we know, between Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, and Dr. Buss. That’s who we are. But it’s just me talking. What I really want is for the games to start so that we can watch what these guys are gonna do. I’ll let them tell the story ’cause they’re the ones that are really going to show us what they’ve got.” She added.

Jeanie Buss went on to praise James even more and referred to his recent performance at the Olympics about the GOAT debate. “It’s definitely gonna be an interesting season for sure. I mean, LeBron, the way he played at the Olympics? He might be the greatest of all time.”

The Future of the Lakers with LeBron James

Although LeBron James is still a dominant player, the Lakers need to improve their roster to compete for the championship. The owner has pointed out that the organization is working to strengthen the roster and build a competitive team.

James, meanwhile, has shown his commitment to the Lakers and expressed his desire to win another championship with the team. His leadership and experience will be critical for the Lakers next season.

LeBron’s salary is a bargain for the Lakers

Buss highlighted James’ work ethic and leadership on the team. Despite his high salary, Buss considers James a valuable and profitable investment for the Lakers.

“It was something that was important to LeBron, and yes, he is our highest-paid player, but he’s still a bargain to me. He’s absolutely amazing. Because we’re a salary cap league, there’s only so much that we can pay him. He brings us notoriety in the league but also internationally. He’s a huge star and a great leader for this team. What he does for our young players, what he does for the community — we’re proud to be partners with him. It’s the same as Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant: because we’re in a capped league, they probably should have been paid twice what they got. But we can only pay him the maximum.”

The Lakers have largely stood pat during the offseason, opting instead to re-sign Max Christie to a four-year deal and extend LeBron James‘ contract for two more years. Meanwhile, they saw the departures of Spencer Dinwiddie, who signed with the Mavericks, and Taurean Prince, who joined the Bucks in free agency.

In a recent interview with Petros and Money on AM 570 LA Sports, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss expressed confidence in the team’s decisions, particularly in their draft picks and new head coach.

“I’m excited about our new coach, JJ Redick. And I could sit here and tell you how great it’s gonna be basketball-wise, but I really want the team to have the opportunity to play and let their performance speak for itself. We’re excited about our draft picks—Dalton Knecht, who we didn’t expect to be available at the 17th pick, and of course, Bronny James, who played at USC. We’re thrilled about our young guys.”

Jeanie Buss on Bronny James’ potential

Buss also highlighted Bronny James’ commitment and work ethic, emphasizing the importance of giving him a fair chance to prove himself. “We need to give him a fair shot to prove he belongs in a Lakers uniform,” Buss shared with AM 570 LA Sports. “Everything we’ve seen—his work ethic, his resilience, especially given the pressures of being the son of a superstar—shows that he’s committed and passionate about this. If we can fill our roster with players who have that same drive, the sky’s the limit.”

Lakers’ commitment to JJ Redick

Speaking further on the Petros and Money show, Buss provided additional insight into the Lakers’ decision to hire Redick. “We wanted to think a little differently,” Buss explained. “He’s got a vision. I’m not going to dive deep into the basketball specifics, but we were looking for a candidate who could bring something new and really focus on developing our young players.”

Buss emphasized that the Lakers are fully backing Redick as he steps into his new role. “J.J. is the right person for us. I just want his work to speak for itself, so I’m not going to hype it up and say it’s going to be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish. He knows what this league is about, and I think he’ll be a great leader.”

During an appearance on “Petros and Money” on AM 570 LA Sports, the Lakers owner dubbed James’ deal “a bargain,” making it clear the team is completely sure about his salary. Additionally, Buss claimed there was no problem with letting The King play in the Olympics, praising his role on the Lakers both on and off the court.

“I think, he’s so competitive, it’s really gotta be something that he wants to do. We always support our players in the decisions that they make in regards to playing for their national team or not. It was something that was important to LeBron and yes, he is our highest-paid player, but he’s still a bargain to me,” Buss said, via Lakers Nation.

“He’s absolutely amazing. Because we’re a salary cap league, there’s only so much that we can pay him. He brings us the notoriety in the league but also internationally. He’s a huge star and he’s a great leader for this team. What he does for our young players, what he does for the community. We’re proud to be partners with him. It’s the same as Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, because we’re in a capped league, they probably should have been paid twice what they get. But we can only pay him the maximum.”

James will still be in control of his destiny though as his new Lakers contract includes a no-trade clause and a player option for the 2025-26 NBA season. That means there’s still a chance he can hit free agency next year, but the team may have made the perfect move to avoid that.

Lakers pair LeBron with Bronny James

With the Lakers drafting Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, LeBron’s dream of playing with his eldest son will become true thanks to the purple and gold.

The USC Trojans guard is expected to spend the most of the 2024-25 season with the Lakers G League affiliate South Bay Lakers, but ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski believes LeBron and Bronny will get to play together in the NBA opening week.

Of course, LeBron can still decide to play elsewhere by opting out next year. But with Bronny in LA, chances are he won’t do so. And if the Lakers prove they can contend this year, James will have even more reasons to stay.

Jeanie Buss has high expectations on LeBron James’ son Bronny

In the same interview, Buss heaped praise on Bronny’s work ethic, defending LeBron’s eldest son from the critics. In the Lakers owner’s eyes, the 19-year-old can be an important contributor to the franchise.

“We need to give him a fair shot to prove he belongs in a Lakers uniform,” Buss said. “Everything we’ve seen—his work ethic, his resilience, especially given the pressures of being the son of a superstar—shows that he’s committed and passionate about this. If we can fill our roster with players who have that same drive, the sky’s the limit.”