Report: Mark Walter could help LeBron James someday own an NBA team
Malk Walter, the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and the primary owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has reportedly agreed to purchase a majority share of the Los Angeles Lakers from the Buss family. It has made some wonder if LeBron James' desire to remain with the Lakers will be affected.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, this change in ownership will not have any bearing on what James decides to do for the 2025-26 NBA season. The 40-year-old has a player option for next season, and he has until June 29 to decide whether to exercise that option or opt out.
In fact, an ESPN report indicated that Walter could help James with his stated goal of someday owning an NBA team.
Via ESPN:
"While James' decision is still pending, a source close to James suggested that Walter could be a valuable resource for James as he pursues his post-playing career goal of one day owning an NBA franchise, too."
James has said multiple times that he would like to bring an expansion team to Las Vegas. While nothing is official as far as the league adding any expansion teams, commissioner Adam Silver said recently that the topic will come up at the next board of governors meeting in July, per ESPN.
Walter has had a stellar track record ever since taking over the Dodgers. They have won the National League West in 11 of the last 12 seasons and have claimed the World Series championship in 2020 and 2024. They have also spared no expense when it comes to bringing in the best people throughout the organization, including superstars Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani.
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