Lakers four biggest questions while off-court drama continues to unfold

It has been an eventful summer for the Lakers, who lost LeBron James in free agency, underwent their second ownership change in 10 months and are embroiled in drama over whether the Buss family will sell its 17.8% stake in the team and Jeanie Buss will remain governor. Here are the four biggest questions for the Lakers moving forward: The $12.5 billion sale of the Lakers from Mark Walter to former Disney CEO Iger and venture capitalist Kushner raises a lot of questions.Mainly, what’s the new owners’ plan? Under Walter, we knew the Lakers were going to be built in the likeness of the Dodgers, who have won three World Series championships since Walter bought the team in 2012.

The Lakers had already begun bolstering their front office and building out their data and analytics departments. While the Lakers may have gotten out of the Walter business at a great time considering the federal law enforcement probe into his financial affairs, we also know the team’s new owners don’t have the blueprint for how to win. It remains to be seen how Iger and Kushner will approach their new roles, assuming the NBA Board of Governors approves the sale. Iger and Kushner are going to need trusted advisers, and Jeanie Buss seemed perfect for that role, considering the Lakers won 11 championships under the Buss family’s reign. After the Buss family sold the Lakers to Walter in October 2025, there was an agreement that Jeanie would remain governor at least through 2030.Iger and Kushner intended to honor that arrangement.

But things have since gotten complicated. The Buss family voted Monday to sell its 17.8% share in the Lakers, but Jeanie is contesting the sale.If they don’t reach a settlement, they could be headed for a lengthy court battle. That all makes things very tricky for the Lakers and their new owners, who will need guidance right away. It’s no secret that the Lakers are interested in Jonathan Kuminga, a 23-year-old athletic wing.

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