Jeanie Buss contests Lakers sale to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner

Jeanie Buss is contesting her siblings' decision to sell the family's remaining 18% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to investors Bob Iger and Josh Kushner. The dispute has emerged amid ongoing tensions within the Buss family regarding the future of the team, which has been a cornerstone of the NBA since its inception.

This conflict comes to light following the passing of Jeanie's father, Jerry Buss, in 2013, who had successfully managed the Lakers for decades. Jeanie has been the public face of the franchise since then, and under her leadership, the team has enjoyed significant success, including winning the NBA Championship in 2020. The proposed sale to Iger, former CEO of Disney, and Kushner, a prominent businessman, is seen by some as a potential shift in the control and legacy of the franchise, heightening familial disagreements over the direction of the team.

Reports indicate that Jeanie Buss believes the sale undervalues the franchise. The Lakers are one of the most valuable teams in sports, with estimates placing their worth at around $5 billion. Jeanie’s opposition to the sale may stem from her desire to maintain family control over the team, which has been integral to her and her family's identity. She has expressed concerns that the sale could disrupt the Lakers' longstanding legacy and community ties.

The outcome of this dispute could significantly impact the Lakers' future and the Buss family's involvement in the franchise. If Jeanie is successful in contesting the sale, it could lead to a reevaluation of the family's stake and their operational role within the team. If the sale proceeds, it may usher in a new era for the organization under Iger and Kushner's leadership. As the situation develops, the basketball world will be watching closely, given the Lakers' storied history and their influence in the NBA.