Josh Kushner and Bob Iger now own the Los Angeles Lakers. They purchased the historic franchise from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion after Walter bought the team last year.
Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, and some NBA fans fear the commander in chief could insert himself into the Lakers’ business.
NBA World Outraged After Josh Kushner Becomes New Lakers Owner
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported what is now the largest United States professional sports sale this morning. Walter previously bought the Lakers from the Buss Family for $10 billion on June 18, 2025. At the time, that purchase broke the record books, but this record only lasted just over a year.
Unlike Jared, who served as a White House Senior Adviser in Trump’s first term, Josh is not involved with the president’s office. In fact, the new Lakers owner and his wife, Karlie Kloss, are on opposite sides of the political spectrum compared to the president. Trump and Jared have more conservative-leaning views, while Josh and Kloss share a more liberal-leaning stance.
Despite the big political differences, some NBA fans think Trump could interfere with the Lakers’ goals in the post-LeBron James era. One user believes many people share this stance. “We’re all thinking the same thing, right? Trump basically just bought the Lakers,” the account posted.
Another shared a facetious message on X. “So Trump basically owns the Lakers now? Fun times ahead.”
“Lakers are [a part] of the Trump/Kushner family empire now,” another fan said.
A Knicks fan thinks there is more to Walter selling the franchise than meets the eye.
“Just so much here to unpack. The Mark Walter stuff probably has some major legs … look at what Kushner & his PE firm is doing to EA Sports … how long until Trump is involved with the Lakers? More Private equity, awesome,” he wrote.
Just so much here to unpack
– the Mark Walter stuff probably has some major legs
– look at what Kushner & his PE firm is doing to EA Sports
– how long until Trump is involved with the Lakers ?
– More Private equity, awesome https://t.co/kT2vvpjhkd
— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) August 12, 2026
Despite the big sale, Walter plans on keeping his role as head of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ ownership group, Guggenheim Baseball Management.
Marc Delucchi, co-editor for The People’s Torch, revealed some interesting background information on Jared.
“Lakers now co-owned by the Trump family (good reminder that Jared Kushner is Adam Silver’s longtime close friend) and Disney/ESPN. So get ready for conflicts of interest to get even worse,” he posted.
Lakers now co-owned by the Trump family (good reminder that Jared Kushner is Adam Silver’s longtime close friend) and Disney/ESPN. So get ready for conflicts of interest to get even worse. https://t.co/9Sr2u8uiEe
— Marc Delucchi (@maddelucchi) August 12, 2026
Delucchi refers to Iger’s former role as CEO of The Walt Disney Company. He served in this position from 2005 to 2020 and from 2022 to 2026.
Only time will tell if Trump has any influence over the Lakers through Kushner. However, one thing will remain constant- the franchise’s hunger and desire to catch the Boston Celtics with 18 championships.
