Ever since the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2024-25 NBA postseason, they have been a headline magnet.
From swirling rumors around LeBron James potentially departing after opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, to the team’s recent acquisition of Deandre Ayton, the Lakers have dominated basketball chatter.
But now, the buzz comes from the front office, not the hardwood.
Jeanie Buss’ Future With the Lakers Has Been Revealed
On June 18, ESPN’s Shams Charania dropped a bombshell report that the Buss family was selling the Lakers. The historic franchise was purchased by billionaire Mark Walter, the CEO and chairman of TWG Global, for a record-breaking $10 billion.
“I have gotten to know Mark very well over time and been delighted to learn how he shares those same values. For the last four years, Mark has been an excellent partner to us, and we are thrilled to keep working with him to continue the Lakers’ extraordinary legacy,” said Jeanie Buss regarding Walter, as per Business Wire.
Moreover, according to the report by Business Wire, “(Jeanie) Buss will remain governor of the franchise and continue to oversee all team operations on a day-to-day basis for the foreseeable future.”
MORE: Top 25 Players To Watch in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League Include Cooper Flagg, Bronny James
After the report was revealed, many wondered about Buss’s future with the organization. However, new information has now been revealed.
According to a report by Dan Woike of “The Athletic” on Wednesday, Buss is expected to remain as the Lakers’ governor for at least the next five seasons.
“Let’s start with the Lakers, who were sold for a whopping $10 billion valuation to Dodgers owner/Lakers minority owner Mark Walterers recently, but will still be run by longtime owner Jeanie Buss for quite some time to come.”
“Per a team source, Buss’ agreement with Walter and the NBA stipulates that she’ll remain the team’s governor for at least the next five seasons,” wrote Woike in his report.
The Buss family’s legacy with the Lakers dates back to 1979, when the late Jerry Buss bought the team along with the Los Angeles Kings and The Forum for $67.5 million from Jack Kent Cooke. Under Jerry’s visionary leadership, the Lakers transformed into a global brand and basketball dynasty and ended up winning multiple championships.
The Buss family purchased the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5M and sold the franchise for $10B 46 years later, per @ShamsCharania 🤯💰 pic.twitter.com/6RWetixZVh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 18, 2025
After Jerry passed away in 2013, ownership of the team was passed down to his children. It was Buss who eventually took the reins as team governor. In a bold move, Buss reshaped the front office. She replaced her brother Jim Buss and then-general manager Mitch Kupchak with Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka.
That decision set the tone for a new Lakers era. It ultimately led to James’s signing and the trade for Anthony Davis, which resulted in a 2020 NBA Championship.
Buss staying on offers one key thing: stability.
Keeping her in place ensures a smoother ownership transition and helps preserve the team’s identity. Her decades of involvement with the franchise make her the right person to guide the Lakers through this pivotal time.
