The Los Angeles Lakers sale drama continues with Jeanie Buss contesting the sale of the family’s remaining 17.8% stake in the franchise.
The remaining five siblings in the Buss family voted to sell their shares following the franchise’s sale. But the vote was declared void by the Lakers’ CEO, who intends to block any possible sale.
Buss Siblings Issue Statement Amid Lakers Ownership Drama
The sale of the Lakers franchise was announced earlier this month, with Bob Iger and Josh Kushner purchasing the majority stake from Mark Walter for a record-breaking $12.5 billion valuation. In the wake of that sale, the Buss siblings voted to sell their 17.8% stake in the Lakers.
However, the move was blocked by the 64-year-old. Now, the other Buss siblings have released a statement on the matter. The statement was shared by ESPN insider Shams Charania on social media.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have never been just a basketball team. They have been one of the greatest privileges of our lives. Our focus has always been on what we believe is best for the Lakers, the fans who have supported this franchise for generations and the greater Los Angeles community,” the statement read.
Statement from Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss after attorney of Jeanie Buss made clear she will battle her family members on selling their remaining 17.8% Lakers ownership stake:
The Los Angeles Lakers have never been just a basketball team. They have been one of the…
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 18, 2026
The Buss siblings also made it clear that they remained firm in their belief that they should sell the family’s remaining stake in the Lakers to Iger and Kushner.
“Johnny, Jimmy, Janie, Joey and Jesse have made the decision to sell the family’s remaining stake, and we remain united in that decision. We intend to move forward thoughtfully, respectfully and through the appropriate process,” they added.
Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers in 1979 and led the franchise to great heights. After his death, Jeanie became the controlling owner. Buss has faced several legal battles with her siblings since the death of their father.
The latest sibling battle comes amid the Lakers’ second sale in as many years. ESPN reported on Monday that the Buss siblings (minus Jeanie) believe they have the right to sell their shares under the tag-along provision put in place in the 2025 sale to Walter.
This sale reportedly gives the Buss family the right to tag along on any sale of the franchise at the same valuation. However, Jeanie is contesting that sale as any potential sale would be void without her approval. She was the lone sibling who did not vote to share, and now faces a battle to maintain her status as the controlling owner of the Lakers.
