The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold for $12.5 billion to an ownership group that includes former Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Josh Kushner. Iger, who previously stated he could not root for the Lakers due to his loyalty to the New York Knicks, had opted to support the Los Angeles Clippers instead, citing ticket prices as a factor. In a January 2021 podcast, Iger remarked, "I couldn't root for the Lakers very easily. It just was not in my DNA." The sale comes shortly after billionaire Mark Walter agreed to buy the Buss family's controlling stake in June 2025 at a valuation of approximately $10 billion. Walter's decision to sell the Lakers just over a year after acquiring them raises questions, particularly as his business dealings are reportedly under federal scrutiny, although there is no evidence linking the investigation to the sale.
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Bob Iger, former Disney CEO, joins ownership group of Los Angeles Lakers
Bob Iger, former CEO of Disney, has joined an ownership group that purchased the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion. Iger had previously expressed his inability to support the Lakers due to his allegiance to the New York Knicks and the affordability of Clippers tickets. The sale follows a recent acquisition of the team by billionaire Mark Walter, who is reportedly facing federal scrutiny.
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Los Angeles Lakers buyer, ex-Disney chief Bob Iger once said rooting for team was 'not in my DNA'
Bob Iger, former Disney CEO, joins ownership group of Los Angeles Lakers