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Los Angeles Lakers ownership undergoes rapid shifts and legal disputes
The NBA is experiencing an unprecedented acceleration in franchise ownership changes. Since 2014, 17 control change transactions have occurred across 14 of the league's 30 teams. This trend is highlighted by the Los Angeles Lakers, which underwent two major sales in quick succession: first to Mark Walter for $10 billion in 2025, and subsequently to a group led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion.
The Lakers' transition is currently complicated by legal battles within the Buss family. Controlling owner Jeanie Buss has filed a lawsuit against her five siblings in Los Angeles County Superior Court. She seeks to prevent them from selling the family's remaining 17.8% stake and aims to maintain her status as the league-recognized controlling owner.
Amidst these shifts, former Lakers player Metta Sandiford-Artest revealed he attempted to purchase a 1% minority stake in the team for $100 million during the recent ownership transition but was unsuccessful.
Entities
Bob Iger · Jeanie Buss · Josh Kushner · Los Angeles Lakers · NBA
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Majority owner Mark Walter agreed to sell a 65% stake in the Lakers to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger for approximately $12.5 billion. www.sportico.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The NBA has seen 17 ownership changes across 14 franchises since 2014. www.blogdebasket.com
- [DISPUTED] The Los Angeles Lakers were sold to Mark Walter for $10 billion in 2025 and then to a group led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion one year later. www.blogdebasket.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Former player Metta Sandiford-Artest attempted to purchase a 1% stake in the Lakers for $100 million but was denied. lakersnation.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jeanie Buss filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against her five siblings to maintain her position as controlling owner of the Lakers. www.sportico.com