Last Wednesday, Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter purchased the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-setting $10 billion.
A week later, the Lakers' governor broke her silence on the massive offseason deal.
“The Buss family is deeply honored to have looked after this incredible organization for almost half a century,” Jeanie Buss said on Wednesday.
“From the day our father purchased the Lakers, we have been determined to deliver what the City of Los Angeles deserves and demands: a team that is committed to winning – relentlessly – and to doing so with passion and with style.”
“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.”
The Lakers’ shocking sale came after the organization acquired Luka Doncic in early February and suffered a first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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Judging by Walter’s track record, it’s fair to suggest the franchise made the right move entering free agency.
The 65-year-old has been a revelation for the Dodgers, ensuring they’re consistent playoff participants since 2012 (they’ve only missed the postseason once), and helping the organization reach the promised land on two occasions (2020 and 2024).
With the Lakers hoping to make Luka Doncic’s stay in Los Angeles worth his while, it was a no-brainer for the 17-time NBA champions to allow a proven winner to guide the Lakers in the right direction during a new era of basketball.
It wouldn’t be surprising to witness Walter make immediate adjustments to the Lakers’ roster after an underwhelming end to the 2024-25 campaign.
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