The Los Angeles Lakers are facing an ownership dispute as Jeanie Buss challenges her siblings’ plan to sell the family’s remaining stake in the Basketball franchise. The disagreement could determine whether she keeps her position as the Lakers’ controlling owner or whether the Buss family completely ends its ownership of the team.
The Buss Family Trust reportedly owns a 17.8% minority stake in the Lakers. Five of the six Buss siblings supported selling the shares to former Disney chief executive Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner. Jeanie Buss did not approve the plan and is now contesting the proposed transaction on legal grounds.
Jeanie Buss Opposes the Family Decision
The Buss family plans to sell its remaining Lakers shares to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, potentially ending its ownership connection with the Basketball franchise that began in 1979.
Jeanie Buss is challenging the decision through attorney Adam Streisand, who argued that the sale requires approval from co-trustees Jeanie, Janie and Joey Buss under a 2017 court order. Without their approval, the family vote may not be enough to complete the transaction.
Why the 15% Ownership Level Is Important
The dispute is not only about the value of the remaining Lakers shares. It could also affect the future leadership of the Basketball franchise.
NBA rules require a controlling owner or team governor to maintain at least a 15% ownership interest. Selling the full 17.8% stake held by the Buss Family Trust could remove the ownership level that allows Jeanie Buss to remain the Lakers’ governor.
The proposed sale could lead to several major changes:
- Jeanie Buss could lose her position as Lakers governor.
- The Buss family could end its ownership connection with the franchise.
- Iger and Kushner could increase their combined stake in the team.
- The Lakers could enter a new era under different leadership.
- A legal dispute could delay the ownership transaction.
Streisand argued that the co-trustees must protect the minimum ownership needed for Jeanie Buss to retain control. He also warned that proceeding without the required approval could result in a breach of trust and fiduciary duty.
Recent Changes in Lakers Ownership
The conflict comes after a period of major ownership changes for the Lakers. In 2025, Jeanie Buss led the sale of the family’s controlling interest to businessman Mark Walter at a reported valuation of $10 billion.
The agreement reportedly allowed her to stay as Lakers governor through 2030. That condition provided leadership continuity for the team’s Basketball operations even after the Buss family gave up its majority ownership.
Walter later reached an agreement to sell his Lakers interest to Iger and Kushner at a reported valuation of $12.5 billion. The higher price reflected the rising value of prominent NBA teams.
The latest transaction still requires approval from the NBA Board of Governors. The ownership structure will not become final until the league completes its review.
History of Conflict Within the Buss Family
The latest disagreement follows years of tension among the six children of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss. The family took control of the franchise after Jerry purchased the team in 1979. Questions about leadership became more serious following his death in 2013.
In 2017, Jeanie Buss removed her brother Jim from his position in charge of Basketball operations. A legal conflict followed after Jim and Johnny reportedly attempted to remove Jeanie from her controlling role. The matter was later settled in her favor.
The family reportedly held an earlier vote about selling its remaining stake, but only three siblings supported the plan. Two more siblings later joined the effort after Walter agreed to sell his interest to Iger and Kushner. Jeanie Buss was the only sibling who did not support the final decision.
What the Dispute Means for Lakers Basketball
The ownership conflict does not immediately affect the Lakers’ players, coaching staff or Basketball schedule. However, team owners can influence long-term spending, front-office appointments and the overall direction of the organization.
The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships and featured Basketball legends such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and other celebrated players during the Buss era.
A sale of the family’s remaining shares would close an important chapter in Lakers history. For now, Jeanie Buss remains at the center of the dispute. The outcome will depend on how the family trust and court order are interpreted, whether the siblings reach an agreement and how the NBA reviews the proposed ownership change.
