Lakers to be sold to Dodgers owner at $10bn valuation, per reports

The Buss family has reportedly reached an agreement to sell a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, valuing the franchise at an impressive $10 billion. This development signifies the conclusion of a significant era for the Lakers, a team that has been synonymous with success and popularity in the NBA. According to ESPN, Mark Walter, who is currently the CEO and chair of TWG Global and a minority owner of the Lakers, will assume majority ownership of the team. Walter is also recognized as the primary owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball and the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, indicating a strong foothold in professional sports. The Lakers have not yet provided a public comment regarding this transaction, which marks a pivotal shift in the franchise's leadership structure.

Historically, the Lakers have been a powerhouse in the NBA, largely due to the vision of the late Jerry Buss, who acquired the team in 1979. Under his ownership, the Lakers achieved tremendous success, winning five championships during the iconic 'Showtime' era of the 1980s, which solidified their status as a premier franchise. Following Jerry Buss's passing in 2013, his daughter, Jeanie Buss, took the reins as principal owner, becoming one of the most influential women in sports. The Lakers have continued to attract high-profile players, including LeBron James, with whom they secured the NBA championship in 2020. Recently, the team also made headlines with a blockbuster trade for star Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks. Despite the ownership change, Jeanie Buss is expected to remain as the team's governor, ensuring continuity in the franchise's leadership amidst this transition.