The Los Angeles Lakers are poised for a change in ownership, with Josh Kushner and Bob Iger expected to take control following an NBA Board of Governors vote in November. However, the transition is complicated by ongoing litigation within the Buss family, as Jeanie Buss seeks to block the sale of the family's remaining stake while her siblings push back against her claims in court. They argue that a previous court ruling regarding the family trust has become moot and assert their right to sell their 17.82% stake, valued at approximately $2.2 billion.
Jeanie Buss filed a lawsuit in August to prevent the sale, citing NBA rules that would require her to relinquish her position as Lakers governor if she no longer holds the necessary 15% stake. In contrast, her siblings contend that the trust's language allows them to proceed with the sale without her consent, emphasizing that the trust previously restricted sales only during Dr. Jerry Buss' lifetime.
As the Lakers prepare for their regular season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, the ownership dispute remains unresolved. The family's latest court filing argues that selling to Kushner and Iger would ultimately benefit all beneficiaries of the trust, including Jeanie Buss, raising questions about whether the ownership transition will occur smoothly or amidst ongoing family conflict.