Jeanie Buss currently holds the position of governor for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, this status is uncertain following recent developments in the team's ownership structure. Mark Walter has agreed to sell his shares of the Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a valuation of $12.5 billion, which comes less than a year after Walter acquired the team from the Buss family.
Jeanie Buss is facing legal challenges as she seeks to prevent her five siblings—Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey, and Jesse Buss—from selling the family's 17.8% stake in the Lakers. The initial court hearing for this case has been rescheduled from November 5 to December 8, which will significantly influence the internal dynamics of the Lakers.
If her siblings successfully sell their ownership stake, Jeanie Buss may lose her position as governor, as she needs to retain at least 15% ownership to maintain that role according to league rules. Conversely, if she is able to block the sale, she will keep the necessary ownership stake through the Buss family trust.
A source familiar with the NBA indicated that Kushner is expected to become the Lakers' governor once the purchase is finalized. Iger is anticipated to be actively involved in the team's daily operations alongside Kushner. However, there is a potential conflict, as Iger previously stated that he and Kushner intended to uphold an agreement made with Walter that would allow Buss to remain governor through at least 2030.
Iger noted that any changes to this arrangement would depend on future developments. The situation remains fluid, with the Lakers' internal hierarchy and plans under new ownership still unclear. The majority ownership sale is pending league review, and the Buss family's court date delay means that clarity on these issues may take some time.