Jeanie Buss to Remain Lakers Governor Despite New Owners Taking Over After Record $12.5 Billion Sale

After buying the Lakers, Bob Iger and Josh Kushner intend to keep Jeanie Buss in her leadership role for the foreseeable future.

Jeanie Buss to Remain Lakers Governor Despite New Owners Taking Over After Record $12.5 Billion Sale

Jeanie Buss (Image credits - Larry Brown Sports)

Jeanie Buss, who is the daughter of the late Jerry Buss, became the majority owner and President of the Los Angeles Lakers after her father’s passing in 2013. After a dispute with her brother Jim Buss, the Buss siblings resolved the matter and gave her lifetime operational control over the team.

Last year, she sold a majority stake of the organization to Mark Walter for $10 billion. Walter has experience owning a sports team as he owns the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, Walter was quick to give up ownership of the Lakers after Josh Kushner and Bob Iger made an offer he could not refuse. The duo shifted focus from a Las Vegas expansion team to acquire the Lakers.

The deal to acquire the Lakers was historic. Kushner and Iger bought the organization for a record $12.5 billion and closed the deal in just 72 hours, or three business days.

Sports writer Dave McMenamin reported that Buss will continue with her role as the Lakers Governor after Igor sat down for an interview with Khobi Price and spoke about Buss’ role with the franchise.

New Lakers owner Bob Iger told Khobi Price that Mark Walter’s agreement with Jeanie Buss to be LAL’s governor for at least five years will remain in place after Iger and Josh Kushner take over the team when the sale goes through.

Dave McMenamin on X

Lakers nation will be hoping that the new deal is a sign of good things to come. Bob Iger played a major role in helping the Walt Disney Co. become one of the best-performing companies in the country. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith labeled him as the “Michael Jordan of Executives” after his recent acquisition of the LA Lakers.

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Bob Iger has enormous respect for Jeanie Buss

Jeanie Buss has performed to the best of her abilities since taking over the esteemed organization. However, there have been critics over the years. The Buss family was often criticized for their lack of investment in the facilities and personnel.

During the interview with Price, Iger spoke about how he feels about the Buss family.

We have enormous respect and appreciation for Jeanie, her father and what they’ve contributed to this franchise. And we have every intention to honor the agreement that was made between Mark and Jeanie. If things change, they’ll change, but we’re going into this with enormous respect and appreciation for who she is and what she represents in the organization.

Bob Iger on New York Post

Under Buss’s ownership, the Lakers signed LeBron James as a free agent in 2018 and won the championship in 2020. However, many pointed the finger at her when James did not sign a new contract and decided to leave the Lakers this summer.

Jeanie Buss reacts to Luka Doncic’s message after ownership change

The Lakers are entering a new era with Luka Doncic at the helm. Since joining the Lakers at the trade deadline last year, Doncic has been seen as the franchise’s centerpiece. Even LeBron James took a backseat as Doncic became the focal point of the team.

Jeanie Buss hugging Luka Doncic
Jeanie Buss hugging Luka Doncic (Image credits – Lakers Nation)

Following the ownership change, Doncic shared his excitement about building something special in LA with the two new owners. Buss needed only two words to endorse the Slovenian’s vision for the Lakers.

Perfectly said.

Jeanie Buss on X

Buss’ response made clear that, from her perspective, Doncic struck the right tone. It will be interesting to see what changes the two new owners bring to the Lakers. With Buss still in the mix, her experience in the organization will play an important role in helping Iger and Kushner. The Buss family’s 15% minority stake remains intact after the deal.

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