The Los Angeles Lakers, a historic NBA powerhouse, are reportedly set to be purchased by former Disney executive Bob Iger and investor Joshua Kushner. According to ESPN, this transaction values the basketball franchise at an unprecedented $12.5 billion.
This deal represents a new financial high for the league, arriving roughly 12 months after billionaire Mark Walter secured a controlling stake in a $10 billion transaction. That previous move concluded the Buss family’s 46-year ownership of the team. Joshua Kushner is recognized as the brother of Jared Kushner, who is the son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump.
Throughout their history, the Lakers have secured 17 NBA championships, a record eclipsed only by the Boston Celtics. The organization has featured iconic players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. Recently, all-time scoring leader LeBron James departed the team to join the Philadelphia 76ers following an eight-year tenure that included one championship victory.
The finalization of this sale remains subject to review and confirmation by the NBA board of governors, a procedure that typically spans several weeks.
