Los Angeles Lakers Governor Accuses Siblings of Smear Campaign in Court
Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss accused her five siblings of running a cloak-and-dagger smear campaign against her through the media. Court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court allege that the respondents orchestrated a manipulative plot and leaked petty grievances to ESPN reporter Shams Charania.
Siblings Vote to Sell Remaining Shares
The legal dispute escalated after Jeanie Buss’ siblings voted 5-0 to sell the family’s remaining 17.8% share in the Lakers to Kushner. That sale would effectively remove her as governor, as NBA rules require her to hold at least a 15% ownership stake to keep the position. The filing claims the siblings secretly pursued unlawful action behind her back in response to an August petition she filed to halt the proposed transaction.
Legal Arguments and Tag-Along Provisions
Adam F. Streisand, attorney for Jeanie Buss, contested the sale violated a 2017 court order that established Jeanie Buss as the controlling owner. The five siblings filed a formal opposition on Oct. 7, claiming Jeanie Buss’ petition is legally and factually baseless. The siblings defended the sale by invoking a tag-along provision from the original sale to Mark Walter, which allows family shares to be sold if Walter ever sells the team.
Lakers ownership drama: Jeanie Buss accuses siblings of ‘false flag operation’ https://t.co/t8YAG1zwdB
Scheduled Court Hearing and Franchise Sale Timeline
A hearing is scheduled in Los Angeles Superior Court on Dec. 8. Meanwhile, ESPN reported that Kushner and Mark Walter agreed to final terms of the franchise sale and are expected to sign a formal agreement soon. That transaction will require review by the NBA and approval by a majority vote of the league’s 30 team owners.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lakers Ownership Dispute
What sparked the current legal battle between Jeanie Buss and her siblings?
The dispute escalated when Jeanie Buss’ five siblings voted 5-0 to sell the family’s remaining 17.8% share in the Los Angeles Lakers to Kushner. Jeanie Buss responded by filing a petition in August to halt the sale, arguing it violated a 2017 court order.
What ownership percentage does Jeanie Buss need to remain governor?
Under NBA rules, Jeanie Buss must maintain at least a 15% ownership stake in the Lakers to continue serving as governor.
When is the next scheduled court date for the case?
A hearing in the Los Angeles Superior Court is scheduled for Dec. 8.
Worth a look