The Los Angeles Lakers have entered uncharted territory, being valued at a staggering $10 billion in their recent sale to Dodgers owner Mark Walter.
Yet one constant remains at the heart of the organization: Jeanie Buss. Sources close to the deal, including Sam Amick of The Athletic, indicate that Buss will continue in her role as governor through the 2030-31 season, ensuring continuity as the franchise embarks on a new chapter.
Buss, daughter of legendary owner Jerry Buss, has overseen the Lakers since her father’s death in 2013.
Under her leadership, the team secured NBA titles in 2020, culminating in 11 championships under the Buss family’s 46-year reign.
The recent arrangement secures Buss‘s involvement for at least five more seasons, even as day-to-day control transfers to Mark Walter.
According to Amick, the agreement with Walter and the NBA “stipulates that she’ll remain the team’s governor for at least the next five seasons.”
That level of assurance isn’t always granted. Mark Cuban‘s 2023 sale of the Dallas Mavericks, for instance, included no such contract, leading to a rapid restructuring of his role despite assurances.
A legacy secured amid record-setting change
The Lakers‘ sale to Mark Walter is historic, not just in price, but in symbolism. The $10 billion deal eclipses the Celtics‘ $6.1 billion sale earlier this year and cements the Lakers as the most expensive franchise in U.S. sports history.
Alongside the franchise change, the Buss family will retain at least a 15 percent ownership stake, meeting NBA rules for a team governor.
Mark Walter brings an impressive portfolio that includes his ownership of the Dodgers, a stake in Chelsea FC, and involvement in multiple sports leagues and franchises.
His track record of championship pursuits and high investment in resources bodes well for the Lakers‘ ambitions.
As Magic Johnson stated, Walter is “driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way.”
Buss‘s extended role aims to balance the influx of new leadership while preserving the Lakers‘ rich heritage.
Fans and franchise figures like Luka Doncic can find comfort in this continuity. According to the AP, Doncic expressed optimism, noting he was “grateful to Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA, and I’m happy that Jeanie will continue to be involved.”
Yet alongside this stability comes temptation: with Walter‘s deep pockets, the Lakers are poised to invest heavily in roster upgrades, front office enhancements, and player development systems, mirroring the Dodgers‘ model.
What’s next for the Lakers
With Buss slated to oversee operations until at least 2031, fans have clarity on who will make significant decisions in the short to mid-term.
Meanwhile, Walter will focus on long-term strategy, leveraging analytics, marketing clout, and international expansion to amplify the Lakers‘ global brand.
Buss‘s stewardship ensures that the Lakers‘ storied identity remains intact even as the franchise thinks bigger than ever. The family legacy, corporate ambition, and the NBA’s richest valuation now intersect in a transformative era for one of the world’s most iconic sports teams.
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