The Los Angeles Lakers are being offered for sale in a proposed $12.5 billion deal involving former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner. The bid, reported as still under negotiation, would—if completed—make the Lakers the most valuable franchise in basketball. The transaction also requires approval by the NBA’s board of governors.
Context around the ownership change is central to the coverage. Both outlets describe how the Lakers’ identity has shifted from long-term, family-style control to a more corporate investment approach. The Guardian notes that Jerry Buss purchased the team in 1979 and remained majority owner until his death in 2013, after which his children took over. Yahoo Sports frames the moment as evidence that NBA teams are increasingly treated as financial assets rather than “family dynasties.”
Both accounts also mention a related complication: the Buss siblings’ positions regarding whether they will sell additional shares. The Guardian adds that the siblings are discussing whether to sell a reported 17.8% minority stake to Iger and Kushner, adding uncertainty to the final ownership structure and timing.
