Buss Family Drama: Jeanie Buss Challenges Sale of Lakers Stake
Jeanie Buss is contesting the sale of her family's 17.8% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, setting up a potentially long and public fight inside the Buss family.
The Buss family's 47-year ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers is facing a dramatic off-court fight. Jeanie Buss, the current governor of the team, is contesting the sale of her family's 17.8% stake in the Lakers to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner.
The sale was announced last week, with Iger and Kushner purchasing a majority stake in the Lakers from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion. However, Jeanie's lawyer Adam Streisand has written a letter stating that any vote suggesting the Buss family is selling "would be and is void." The letter claims that the sale of the JAB Trust's 17.8% ownership interest in the Los Angeles Lakers, Inc. cannot be effectuated without approval by the current co-trustees, i.e., Jeanie, Janie, and Joey Buss.
The Buss family has released a statement explaining the decision to sell, stating that they have "decided as a family to sell the remaining Buss Family Trust shares to the Bob Iger group as part of the ongoing transaction." However, Jeanie Buss is contending that a 2017 court order prevents any vote to sell the remaining family shares without her consent.
This is not the first time that the Buss siblings have fought over control of the team. In 2017, Jeanie fired Jim Buss as head of basketball operations, and he and brother Johnny Buss attempted to strip Jeanie of her seat on the Lakers board of directors.
The sale of the team to Walter in 2025 was reportedly driven by Jeanie Buss, who was long described as the swing vote in a possible sale. However, the Buss siblings are now attempting to force a sale that would ultimately strip her of her position with the team.
## The Buss Family Legacy with the Lakers
The Buss family's legacy with the Lakers is complex and multifaceted. Dr. Jerry Buss, the founder of the family's ownership group, is widely considered the greatest owner in NBA history. Under his leadership, the Lakers won 10 championships led by Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant.
However, since Dr. Buss's passing in 2013, the Lakers have been one of the NBA's most dysfunctional organizations. The team has struggled to find consistency and has had several high-profile failures, including the 2013-2019 playoff drought.
Despite these challenges, the Buss family's legacy with the Lakers is still remembered fondly by many fans. The team's success under Dr. Buss's leadership is a testament to his vision and leadership.
### Lakers' Titles Under the Buss Family
| Year | Champion | | --- | --- | | 1980 | Lakers | | 1982 | Lakers | | 1985 | Lakers | | 1987 | Lakers | | 1988 | Lakers | | 2000 | Lakers | | 2001 | Lakers | | 2002 | Lakers | | 2009 | Lakers | | 2010 | Lakers |
The Buss family's ownership of the Lakers has been marked by both success and failure. While they have won 10 championships, they have also struggled to find consistency and have had several high-profile failures.
The current drama surrounding the sale of the team is a reminder that the Buss family's legacy with the Lakers is complex and multifaceted. While they have made significant contributions to the team's success, they have also faced challenges and controversies.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Buss family's legacy with the Lakers will be remembered. However, one thing is certain: the Buss family's ownership of the Lakers has been a significant part of the team's history and will continue to be remembered for years to come.
