Jeanie Buss opposes Lakers sale

The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be heading toward the final chapter of the Buss family era. Instead, a new twist emerged in recent hours: Jeanie Buss has opposed the sale of the remaining minority stake held by the family, calling into question the validity of the decision made by her siblings.

The stake in question is reportedly 17.8% of the Lakers and is expected to go to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, the group set to take control of the franchise following the $12.5 billion deal reached with Mark Walter. But just when everything appeared settled, Jeanie decided to stand in the way.

Jeanie Buss Opposes the Lakers Sale

According to reports in recent hours, Jeanie was the only one of the six Buss siblings to vote against the sale of the family’s stake. But the central issue may not even be the outcome of the vote.

Through her attorney Adam Streisand, Jeanie argues that the sale cannot be authorized simply through a vote among the siblings. The structure of the family trust would require approval from the co-trustees and, according to her position, proceeding without her consent would invalidate the transaction and could constitute a breach of fiduciary duties.

We have just received a letter from Jeanie Buss’ attorney stating that the sale of the remaining 17.8% of the Buss family’s stake cannot be completed without the consent of all three trustees

Ramona Shelburne via SportsCenter

In other words, what appeared to be a straightforward final exit for the Buss family from the Lakers could now turn into a real internal legal battle within the family.

Jeanie Buss’ future is also at stake

The issue, of course, directly affects Jeanie as well. Following the previous sale of the controlling stake to Mark Walter, completed in 2025 with the Lakers valued at roughly $10 billion, it had been agreed that Buss could continue serving as the franchise’s governor.

By selling the remaining 17.8%, however, Jeanie would no longer hold the minimum stake required to retain that position and would therefore be forced to permanently step away from running the Lakers.

And that is where the situation becomes even more delicate. Jeanie Buss has led the Lakers since the death of Jerry Buss in 2013 and, after years of internal family disputes, had secured a central role in the franchise’s day-to-day control. Now her future could depend on the outcome of this new dispute.

The Buss era with the Lakers may not be over yet

Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in 1979, beginning one of the most iconic ownership eras in American sports history. Since then, the franchise has become synonymous with superstars, spectacle and NBA championships.

With the sale of the remaining stake, it seemed like the time had finally come to close out nearly half a century of history. Jeanie Buss, however, does not appear willing to leave without a fight.

The Iger-Kushner ownership group remains the designated future of the Lakers, but there could still be plenty to resolve first. And considering everything that has happened around the franchise in recent weeks, the final chapter of the Buss family in Los Angeles may still have to be written.