On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers saw a significant change in their ownership as the Buss family sold their majority stake to Mark Walter, the owner of the L.A. Dodgers. This transition marks a new chapter for the Lakers, sparking excitement from key figures including Luka Doncic, reflecting the significance of this move within the NBA community.

Mark Walter, who acquired a minority stake in the Lakers back in 2021, now assumes control of the team, while Jeanie Buss is expected to continue her role as Governor. The Buss family had maintained ownership since 1979, during which the Lakers captured 11 championships. Walter aims to build on that legacy, inspired by the success he has fostered with the Dodgers franchise.

The announcement has created enthusiasm among the Lakers’ fanbase, extending to team stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on SportsCenter, those close to both players sense optimism about what Walter’s leadership means for the Lakers’ future.

“Speaking to people close to both Luka and LeBron James, there’s excitement about this move for what it means for this team. Obviously having someone like Mark Walter doesn’t mean the salary cap goes out the window. There’s a new collective bargaining agreement in place that has punitive measures for teams that overspend. You lose draft picks, you can’t make trades and aggregate salaries, etc. when you reach towards the second apron. But what you can do os add extra spending towards your scouting department, your analytics department, your health and wellness staff, etc. to make it an even more inviting environment other than just have the 72 and sunny weather that we have out here in Southern California.”

—Dave McMenamin, ESPN Analyst

LeBron James has yet to finalize his decision on playing the 2025-26 season, though all signs suggest he will return for his 23rd year in the NBA. Luka Doncic, preparing for his first full season with the Lakers, will be eligible for a contract extension in August. The new ownership change will not immediately affect roster construction this offseason, but it places continued pressure on GM Rob Pelinka to build a competitive team that encourages Doncic to commit long-term.

McMenamin highlights that Walter’s acquisition is likely to provide lasting benefits by strengthening key areas beyond player salaries, enhancing operational departments such as scouting, analytics, and health to foster a winning culture.

Magic Johnson Welcomes Mark Walter’s Leadership of the Lakers

Magic Johnson, a member of the Dodgers ownership group alongside Mark Walter, expressed his excitement regarding the sale of the Lakers’ majority stake. Johnson shared his congratulations to Walter, Jeanie Buss, and the entire Buss family on this pivotal transition for the storied franchise.

This ownership change aligns with Walter’s proven track record of overseeing successful sports operations and is viewed as a promising step toward maintaining the Lakers’ competitive edge in the NBA.

With deep roots in Southern California and a rich history of championships, the Lakers under Walter’s stewardship are poised to blend tradition with innovative investment strategies. Fans and players alike anticipate a focused effort on enhancing the organization’s infrastructure, aiming not only to attract elite talent but also to nurture a high-performance environment off the court.

As the Lakers move forward under new majority ownership, the collaboration between leadership, management, and star players like Doncic and James will be critical to shaping the franchise’s next era. The commitment to sustainable success reflects the importance of ownership decisions in the evolving landscape of professional basketball.