New Lakers Co-Owner Bob Iger's Clippers Allegiance Raises Eyebrows

Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO, is set to become a co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a $12.5 billion deal with business partner Josh Kushner. This marks the second ownership change for the franchise in just over a year, and it comes with mixed feelings from Lakers fans regarding Iger's past loyalties.

Iger has openly identified as a fan of the Los Angeles Clippers, as well as the New York Knicks, stating that rooting for the Lakers is 'not in my DNA.' His comments were made during a 2021 podcast appearance with JJ Redick, where he explained his choice to support the Clippers after moving to Los Angeles in 2000, citing the rivalry with the Knicks.

While being a Clippers fan is not inherently wrong, it raises questions about Iger's connection to the Lakers, a team with a storied history and a passionate fan base. His previous allegiance to the Clippers, which included attending games alongside prominent figures like Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and actor Billy Crystal, may not resonate well with Lakers supporters, who dominate the local basketball landscape.

As Iger prepares to take the reins of the Lakers, he may need to address his Clippers fandom to win over skeptical fans. The transition from a Clippers supporter to a Lakers owner is a significant shift, and how Iger navigates this change will be closely watched by both Lakers fans and the broader NBA community.