Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners, has agreed to purchase the majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers from the Buss family. Walter, already chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers through Guggenheim Baseball Management, now extends his influence over another major Los Angeles sports franchise. This move marks a significant shift in Lakers ownership with potential implications for the team’s direction and decision-making.

Concerns raised over handling of star athletes under Walter’s leadership

Sportscaster Colin Cowherd expressed unease about Walter’s ownership, suggesting it could signal challenges for Lakers star Luka Doncic. Cowherd recalled Walter’s management approach with the Dodgers, highlighting the way the team moved on from top players despite their MVP statuses. Notably, Dodgers veterans Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, and Max Scherzer were allowed to depart despite their impressive credentials.

“That ownership group and the front office moved off Cody Bellinger, a National League MVP; Corey Seager, a World Series MVP; Max Scherzer. They knew Manny Machado was going to go to the Padres, their rival. All right, see you. They could have paid for all of them. They’ll move off stars.” —Colin Cowherd, Sportscaster

Machado, Seager, and Scherzer each signed lucrative contracts elsewhere between 2019 and 2022, with Machado joining the San Diego Padres, Seager the Texas Rangers, and Scherzer the New York Mets. Bellinger also left for Chicago after being non-tendered by the Dodgers, securing an $80 million deal over three years. Cowherd warned that if Doncic does not maintain performance levels, a similar fate might await him.

“If Luka doesn’t stay in shape, if Luka doesn’t defend at a higher level, (they’ll sign him to the summer max, he’ll get his $228 million), they’ll move off him,” —Colin Cowherd, Sportscaster

Highlighting the Dodgers’ winning-focused approach, Cowherd contrasted it with the historical values of the Buss family, who understood the importance of retaining star players. He also noted that past Lakers superstars, such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, influenced franchise operations, a dynamic he doubts will continue.

“So the Dodgers with this group have moved off MVPs, not just MVPs, World Series MVPs in their 20s, 30s, young 30s, mid-20s. They’ll move off guys. They don’t care. They prioritize winning. And the Buss family, to their credit, has always understood the value of stars,” —Colin Cowherd, Sportscaster

Aside from the Dodgers, Cowherd discussed other MLB teams, praising the Dodgers’ strategic acquisition of Shohei Ohtani, and criticizing the New York Yankees’ decision to trade for Giancarlo Stanton due to perceived redundancy and injury concerns.

Mark Walter’s proven sports ownership track record offers hope to Lakers

Despite the anxieties, some commentators see promise in Walter’s expansion into Lakers ownership, citing his diversified sports investments and past successes. Walter’s portfolio spans ownership stakes in Andretti Global, the Los Angeles Sparks, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and soccer clubs Chelsea F.C. and RC Strasbourg.

On the show First Things First, Chris Broussard emphasized Walter’s transformative effect on the Dodgers since taking control in 2012, when the team had not appeared in the World Series for 24 years and frequently missed the playoffs. Walter’s tenure has seen consistent postseason appearances and division titles.

“This guy Mark Walter, since he took over, when he took over the Dodgers in 2012, they had not been to a World Series, let alone won one. They had not been to one in 24 years. They had missed the playoffs several times. It was 1988, that was the last time they had even gotten there. They won it, but that was the last time they had even reached the World Series,” —Chris Broussard, Sportscaster

Broussard added that Walter does not micromanage but entrusts capable executives to build successful teams, a management style that could benefit the Lakers as well.

What lies ahead for Walter’s Lakers and the legacy of star players

Mark Walter’s acquisition signals a new chapter for the Lakers, one influenced heavily by his legacy with the Dodgers and a results-driven focus on winning. While this approach has yielded championships for the Dodgers, it raises questions about the retention of star players like Luka Doncic under the new regime. The Lakers, long guided by the Buss family’s appreciation for franchise icons, may face strategic shifts prioritizing consistent success over star loyalty.

The Lakers’ fanbase and stakeholders will be closely watching whether Walter can replicate his Dodgers’ transformation without sacrificing marquee talent, as history suggests his ownership may not hesitate to trade even highly decorated athletes. The coming seasons will reveal if Manny Machado’s impact on both Dodgers and Lakers ownership signals a pattern of bold roster changes or if adjustments will be made to accommodate the Lakers’ culture and stars.