Latest news with #Lakers'
USA Today
8 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
Luka Doncic reacts on social media to sale of Lakers
Luka Doncic reacts on social media to sale of Lakers On Wednesday, the Buss family reportedly agreed to sell a majority share of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter for a valuation of $10 billion. Walter has owned a sizable chunk of the Los Angeles Dodgers for many years, and fans are anticipating that this transaction could lead to the Lakers having the type of sustained success the Dodgers, the defending World Series champions, have had in recent years. While Jeanie Buss, who has been the Lakers' governor for years, will remain in that role, it could mark a major shift as far as how they do business financially when it comes to personnel decisions. They have long been criticized for being run like a family-owned small business, but apparently, those days are now ending. One item on their to-do list this summer is to get Luka Doncic, the new face of the franchise, to sign some sort of long-term contract extension. He can opt out of his current contract next summer, and he can officially agree to an extension starting on Aug. 2 of this year. In the meantime, he seems happy with the change in team ownership, judging by a post he made on X (formerly known as Twitter). Doncic was sent to the Lakers by the Dallas Mavericks in a seismic trade that took place on Feb. 1. While many outside the Lakers' sphere of influence are still upset over the low price (Anthony Davis, Max Christie and one future first-round draft pick) L.A. paid, the Purple and Gold's championship window has been pried open, and it could remain ajar for many years to come.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Brian Windhorst drops a bold take on what's missing in the Lakers' Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves game plan
(Image Source - Getty Images) The Lakers made a power move by trading for Luka Doncic—but in doing so, they might've left their back door wide open. Anthony Davis ' departure didn't just leave a roster spot—it left a defensive void. The Timberwolves exposed it in Game 3, and analysts like Brian Windhorst are now warning what's at stake. Without rim protection, all that offensive talent could go to waste. The trade that brought Luka Doncic may have quietly opened up a bigger problem After the significant trade of Anthony Davis in February—where he was moved to Dallas for Luka Doncic—Los Angeles lost more than just an All-Star. They also lost a crucial defensive anchor. In the first round of the playoffs, Jaxson Hayes filled in for Davis, and the Lakers suffered: Minnesota outscored them 56‑26 in the paint in Game 3 alone. Windhorst mentions that without a reliable rim defender, perimeter skills don't carry much weight — especially when the matchups change sides. Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are great on offense, but they don't provide solid defense. League analysts have noted the team's ineffective closeouts and the vulnerability in the paint throughout the series. JJ Redick summed it up well — "We don't have rim protection. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 유일한 공식 무료 SOC 게임! 설치도 없습니다! 경복의 바다 게임 플레이 Undo If we let players get by us, we're going to give up points." Their playoff defensive rating was among the worst, which is exactly the issue Windhorst points out. Windy ADVISES Luka Doncic to SIGN THE EXTENSION after Lakers' sale 🗣️ 'COULDN'T BE BETTER!' | Get Up Windhorst's message was clear: if the Lakers intend to run their perimeter-heavy lineup long-term, they must invest in interior defense. He didn't call for another superstar, just 'somebody who can defend at the rim'. They've got to find a solid athletic center—think Onyeka Okongwu or Mitchell Robinson—whether it's through free agency, a minor trade, or the draft to really own their paint. The Lakers have choices. They might go after experienced rim-protectors like Clint Capela or Brook Lopez, look into expiring contracts like Daniel Gafford, or aim for long-term potential with a player like Nicolas Claxton. One thing's for sure: their offense won't hit its peak unless they secure the paint. Also Read: Lonzo Ball was supposed to revive the Los Angeles Lakers but something went wrong The Lakers kicked off the offseason with a bang—Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves all on board—but the playoffs showed some cracks in their foundation. Brian Windhorst's warning is straightforward yet tough: having talent isn't enough without a solid defensive anchor. As the offseason chatter intensifies, the Lakers' top priority is to secure that cornerstone. If they fail, even their star trio might not shine as bright. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Los Angeles Lakers $10 Billion Sale Shatters Sports Franchise Records; Buss Family Makes NBA History
Lakers team (Image via Getty) In June 2025, the majority of the Los Angeles Lakers is to be sold for a record-setting $10 billion, marking the largest sale of a professional sports franchise in history. This monumental deal reflects not only the Lakers' unparalleled legacy but also the dynamic forces shaping the NBA and global sports ownership. The Buss Family Legacy and the Decision to Sell the Los Angeles Lakers For over four decades, the Buss family has guided the Los Angeles Lakers, transforming them from a regional basketball team into a global sports icon. Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the franchise in 1979 for $67.5 million—a transaction that also included the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and The Forum in Inglewood, California. Under the Buss family's stewardship, the Lakers have secured 11 NBA championships, the most of any franchise during that period, and built a roster featuring legendary players such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James. Following Jerry Buss's death in 2013, ownership passed to his children, with Jeanie Buss serving as the team's governor. The family's trust structure required a majority of the six Buss siblings to agree to any sale, a consensus that was finally reached this week. Despite selling a majority stake, Jeanie Buss will retain a minority interest and continue as governor, ensuring continuity in the team's leadership and identity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo The Los Angeles Lakers Buyer: Mark Walter's Sports Empire Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and principal owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to become the controlling owner of the Lakers. Walter, who already held a minority stake in the Lakers since 2021, has a proven track record in sports ownership, including the Dodgers, the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, a stake in Chelsea Football Club, interests in Formula 1, and the Professional Women's Hockey League. Walter's acquisition of the Lakers adds to his growing sports empire and reflects the increasing appetite among ultra-wealthy investors for marquee sports assets. Under his leadership, the Dodgers have thrived both on and off the field, setting league payroll records and securing multiple World Series appearances. His reputation for bold investments and operational excellence bodes well for the Lakers' future. Record-Breaking Valuation and Market Dynamics The $10 billion sale price shatters previous records for sports franchise transactions, far exceeding the $6.1 billion paid for the Boston Celtics earlier in 2025 and the $6.05 billion for the NFL's Washington Commanders. This valuation is particularly notable given that the Lakers' official league valuation had recently been estimated at $7 billion, ranking them third among NBA teams behind the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors. Several factors drive this record valuation: - Historic Success and Brand Power: The Lakers' championship legacy and global fan base make them one of the most recognizable sports brands in the world. - Prime Market Location: Los Angeles is the second-largest media market in the United States, offering vast opportunities for sponsorships, merchandising, and international expansion. - Booming NBA Media Rights: The league's recent $77 billion, 11-year media rights deal has dramatically increased the revenue potential for all teams, further boosting franchise values. - Strong Ownership and Stability: The combination of Mark Walter's proven leadership and Jeanie Buss's continued involvement provides confidence in the team's future direction. The Impact on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA The sale of the Lakers for $10 billion is more than a financial transaction—it signals a new era for the franchise and the NBA as a whole. The deal sets a new benchmark for sports franchise valuations and is likely to influence future sales across major leagues. For the Lakers, the transition represents continuity and ambition, with both the legacy of the Buss family and the vision of Mark Walter shaping the team's future. Lakers icon Magic Johnson, who has been involved with both the Lakers and the Dodgers, publicly congratulated the new ownership group, emphasizing their shared commitment to winning and investing in success. The $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers underscores the enduring value of iconic sports franchises in today's global marketplace. With a rich history, a prime location, and visionary new ownership, the Lakers are poised to remain at the forefront of professional sports for years to come. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
USA Today
a day ago
- Business
- USA Today
How much did the Lakers' stake sell for to Mark Walter?
How much did the Lakers' stake sell for to Mark Walter? It was barely three months ago the Boston Celtics set an American sports record when Bill Chisholm purchased the team from the Grousbeck family for $6.1 billion. Leave it to their rival Los Angeles Lakers to immediately top them. On Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Buss family is selling their controlling stake in the franchise to Mark Walter for $10 billion. Yes, you read that correct. Ten. Billion. Dollars. According to ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne, the Buss family, which purchased controlling interest in the team for $67.5 million in 1979, owns 66 percent of the Lakers. That would mean the whole team value is closer to $16 billion. These are just staggering numbers. It's the largest sale of a pro sports team in the world. Buss Not Bolting: Here's what's next for Jeanie Buss Here's where other sales rank in comparison. Largest Sports Team Sales in United States History
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Insider Reveals Four Most Tradeable Lakers Players In This Offseason
NBA Insider Reveals Four Most Tradeable Lakers Players In This Offseason originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers are set for a busy offseason, marked by numerous major moves to be made. In light of this, NBA insider Jovan Buha recently shared his list of the most realistic moves the team would make, highlighting the team's most tradeable assets in the process, during an episode of "Buha's Block". Advertisement While speaking about the realistic outcomes, Buha expressed how the team was likely to use their taxpayer MLE to sign a player. In addition to this, he said: "They [Lakers] trade at least three of Rui, Gabe, Dalton, and Maxi Kleber, and they're not sure about the inclusion of a first-round pick." "Those are their four primary tradeable player assets with expiring contracts, and Dalton's still on a rookie deal, so I think they trade at least three of those four players. Again, the first (pick) will come down to the opportunity cost that is out there and the types of guys they can get back." A number of the Lakers' needs and requirements were made known during the exit conference. The demand for a solid big man to fill out their frontcourt rotation emerged as the priority for the offseason. In doing so, the team has been in active pursuit of talented candidates, both via trade and in the free agency market. Advertisement While several targets have been identified, it has become quite clear that the team will need to part ways with some of their key rotational players to acquire a talented big, particularly in the case of Nic Claxton, Daniel Gafford, or even Mitchell Robinson. In this regard, the aforementioned players all bring something to the table. Rui Hachimura has been an extremely serviceable forward during his time in LA. He showcased incredible two-way ability, often drawing on tough defensive assignments while also developing into a reliable perimeter threat. Hachimura's averages of 13.0 points and 5.1 rebounds certainly leave more room for satisfaction. However, as an expiring contract, teams would see some value in picking him up now. Vincent and Kleber have also been serviceable. While there is little to say about Kleber, considering he missed most of the season with an injury, Vincent was an integral role player, averaging 6.3 points on 40.0% shooting from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Lakers' most valuable prospect in this list is their young guard Dalton Knecht. The 24-year-old showed a lot of potential in his rookie season, averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from the three-point line. His perimeter shooting certainly presents a lot of scope for development in the future. But his overall offensive package, including his ability to finish at the rim, could be considered valuable to a team looking at young players. Additionally, the team still has some scope to include players such as Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton via sign-and-trade, along with their second-round picks. Of all the assets the Lakers have, their stock of expiring contracts is immensely valuable when considering trades. With almost $55 million in expiring contracts, the Purple and Gold are capable of facilitating some incredible trades to help structure their roster for the upcoming season. Advertisement Other than trades, the Purple and Gold would still need to clear up cap space to acquire some targets in the free agent market. While the likelihood of Clint Capela joining the team has gathered more traction in recent days, the team will also look at other options to improve their wing depth. Overall, much of Buha's predictions for the offseason are based on the notion of LeBron James opting into his contract or signing a new deal, and Luka Doncic signing a three-year deal with the Lakers. With much of the roster construction being dependent on these events, the Purple and Gold are unlikely to pull the trigger on any moves. Related: NBA Insider Lists Potential 'Under-The-Radar' Free Agents For The Lakers This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
