The Los Angeles Lakers are embroiled in a family dispute as Jeanie Buss contests her siblings’ vote to sell the remaining 17.8% stake in the franchise.
Josh Kushner and Bob Iger will take over the Lakers’ ownership at a record $12.5 billion valuation. However, the future of the Buss family’s connection to the franchise remains uncertain.
Jason Whitlock Calls Out Jeanie Buss Over Lakers Ownership Dispute
As the Lakers’ ownership drama unfolds, an NBA analyst has entered the conversation with a pointed message, calling out Buss as a symbol of nepotism. His criticism goes beyond the proposed sale; he sees a broader issue with inherited power in sports.
Whitlock didn’t hesitate to share his take on the Buss family ownership dispute. He captioned his video on X, “Whether it’s Jeanie Buss or Carlie Irsay-Gordon, women who had sports franchises passed down from their fathers always have an elevated sense of self-importance.”
Whitlock’s criticism focused on retaining power, as he argued that her position is not hers but the legacy of her father. He said, “Go away, Jeanie… Quit hanging on to power and profile you did not earn. Carlie Irsay-Gordon is the other half of this act.”
Her father, Jerry Buss, died in 2013, at age 80, due to kidney failure after an 18-month fight against cancer.
Jeanie has been the controlling owner and governor of the Lakers since then, and her lawyer claimed earlier this week that she had the right to veto any sale of the Buss family’s shares in the Lakers. However, if the other siblings manage to sell, she would have to forfeit her role as governor, as she would be left with less than a 15% ownership stake (around 3%) in the franchise.
Whether it’s Jeanie Buss or Carlie Irsay-Gordon, women who had sports franchises passed down from their fathers always have an elevated sense of self-importance. pic.twitter.com/kgraeK9wn9
— Jason Whitlock (@jasonwhitlock) August 20, 2026
Whitlock didn’t stop there. His arguments compared Buss’ situation with that of Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon. According to him, neither of them earned ownership of their teams; rather, they inherited them. “Go away, Jeanie. Let your family cash out in peace… Inherited money is not girl power or empowerment. It’s nepotism in a headset,” he added.
MORE: ‘Massive Ownership Shakeup’ – NBA World Reacts As Marc Stad Buys New Stake Worth $4.5 Billion
For now, the Buss family dispute remains unresolved. And the bigger question is whether Buss can hold on to her position, or her family will move forward with a different future for the Lakers.
