Buss Family Drama Escalates Amid Lakers Ownership Changes

The Buss family is embroiled in a significant dispute following the decision to sell their 17.8% ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers. This decision comes just days after Mark Walter announced a $12.5 billion sale of the franchise to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, effectively ending Jeanie Buss's tenure as the team's governor due to NBA ownership requirements.

Jeanie Buss has publicly opposed the sale, asserting that her siblings' votes are invalid without her consent. Her lawyer, Adam Streisand, has characterized the situation as a long-standing pattern of misinformation and conflict among the Buss siblings, particularly since the passing of Jerry Buss in 2013.

The family feud has a history, with Jeanie previously firing Jim Buss from his role as vice president of basketball operations in 2017. Tensions resurfaced when her brothers attempted to remove her as the controlling owner. Most recently, Joey and Jesse Buss were dismissed from their front office positions following the sale to Walter.

This latest chapter not only complicates the Lakers' ownership landscape but also raises questions about the future governance of the team. Jeanie Buss had previously secured an agreement to remain in her role for five years after Walter's acquisition, a commitment that Iger has indicated he intends to uphold despite the ongoing family drama.