The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of a seismic ownership change that could reshape the franchise’s future.
After nearly five decades under the Buss family, the Lakers are reportedly being sold to Mark Walter, chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, in a record-breaking $10 billion deal.
The potential shift represents more than just a change in ownership for one of basketball’s most iconic franchises.
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst discussed the implications during a recent NBA Today segment, explaining how Walter’s business approach could transform the Lakers.
“It means that the Lakers are about to join the modern era. While they have had incredible success and their brand is enormous, they ran as a family operation in a league that is run by tech billionaires and hedge fund billionaires. And they (tech billionaires and hedge fund billionaires) run their NBA teams that way,” Windhorst said. “They invest in the infrastructure of their teams. The Lakers were behind in that regard and they are going to get great investment there.”
“It means that the Lakers are about to join the modern era.”@WindhorstESPN thinks the Los Angeles Lakers deal will change the league for the better 💵 pic.twitter.com/lFIKR7ZKas
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 19, 2025
The deal signals a new chapter for a franchise that has struggled with consistency since their 2020 championship run.
While the Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals in 2023, their recent playoff history includes early exits and missing the postseason entirely in 2022.
Walter’s track record with the Dodgers offers a blueprint for success.
Since purchasing the baseball franchise in 2012 for $2.15 billion, his ownership group has delivered remarkable results.
The Dodgers have made the playoffs annually, captured two World Series titles, and claimed 11 National League West divisions in 12 seasons.
Windhorst believes Walter can bring that same winning formula to Los Angeles basketball.
The transition from a traditional family operation to a modern business structure could provide the Lakers with the infrastructure investment they need to compete at the highest level consistently.
For a franchise hungry to return to championship contention, this ownership change represents hope for sustained excellence.
