Los Angeles Lakers stars past and present have weighed in on the shock news that the franchise has been sold for a record-breaking $12 billion.
On Wednesday it was revealed that, one year after buying a controlling interest in the Lakers, team owner Mark Walter is now selling the historic NBA franchise to American businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for the staggering fee.
ESPN was the first to report the news, which has since been confirmed by Walter, a billionaire currently under SEC investigation over $16 billion in private-credit loans.
In the hours that followed, former Lakers star Magic Johnson, who spent his entire 13-year NBA career in Los Angeles, offered his thoughts on the move.
Taking to X, Johnson wrote: ‘Laker fans, you couldn’t have two better owners.
‘I’ve known Bob personally for over 40 years – he has always loved the Lakers and basketball and he will bring championships back to LA’.
Magic Johnson has weighed in on the news that the franchise has been sold for $12 billion
Current star Luka Doncic also offered his thoughts on Wednesday’s record-breaking deal
Meanwhile, current Lakers star Luka Doncic also voiced his thoughts on the takeover, swiftly turning to social media to address fans about the news.
The Slovenian star said: ‘Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA.
‘I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise.
‘I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together.’
Meanwhile, embattled former team owner Mark Walter shared his own lengthy statement about the decision with fans on social media.
‘Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family,’ Walter wrote in a statement.
‘I am grateful to [former team owner] Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.’
The deal eclipses the $10 billion record sales price Walter paid for the franchise in 2025, leaving him with roughly a $2 billion gross profit before taxes. It also doubles the $6 billion price tag the rival Boston Celtics sold for in 2025.
Josh Kushner was part of a group of investors that recently tried to buy stakes in the World Cup from FIFA in a since-aborted proposal. He is the brother of Trump son-in-law, Jared
Bob Iger recently completed his second stint as CEO of Disney, which has a long-standing partnership with the NBA through its sports cable network, ESPN, and other properties
The agreement, which still requires league approval, ignited a massive reaction across the NBA.
Former controlling owner and team governor Jeanie Buss reacted online with two words: ‘Perfectly said.’
Although Walter had experience in team ownership, the Lakers will have two relative novices in the owner’s box when this deal is approved.
Kushner was part of a group of investors who recently tried to buy stakes in the World Cup from FIFA in a since-aborted proposal that has left the group’s president, Gianni Infantino, fighting for his job. The younger brother of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, the 41-year-old previously co-founded Thrive Capital and Oscar Health.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has been a long-time friend of the Kushner family and was seen with Josh and Iger at the 2025 US Open in New York.
Iger recently finished his second stint as CEO of Disney, which has a long-standing partnership with the NBA through its sports cable network, ESPN, and other properties. He and his wife Willow Bay are also the controlling owners of LA’s National Women’s Soccer League team, Angel City FC.
‘As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world,’ Kushner and Iger wrote in a joint statement.
