Lakers’ Recent Era: Mark Walter’s Acquisition and the Future Around Luka Dončić

The Los Angeles Lakers have entered a new chapter under the ownership of Mark Walter, a move facilitated by Jeanie Buss and driven, in part, by family dynamics. The $10 billion sale aims to secure the franchise’s financial future and maintain its competitive edge in the NBA, with a strategic shift towards building a team around Luka Dončić.

A Bittersweet Transition

Jeanie Buss, former controlling owner and current governor, described the sale to Walter as “bittersweet,” acknowledging the emotional weight of relinquishing majority control after her father, Jerry Buss, passed away in 2013. However, she emphasized that her father would have supported the decision, prioritizing the Lakers’ ability to remain a top spender in the league. “What was important to him was that the Lakers stay at the top of the NBA, and to stay at the top of the NBA, you demand to have the resources,” Buss stated. CNBC

The sale process wasn’t without internal conflict. ESPN detailed significant infighting among the Buss siblings, ultimately leading to the dismissal of several family members from their roles within the organization, including Jesse, Joey, Jim, Johnny, and Janie Buss.

Walter’s Financial Strength and Vision

Mark Walter, already a prominent figure in sports ownership as the majority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2012, brings substantial financial resources to the Lakers. Buss highlighted Walter’s consistent willingness to invest in his teams, a crucial factor in navigating the NBA’s competitive landscape, where team spending currently ranges from $154 million to $220 million. The Lakers were seventh in the league at $197 million as of the 2025 season. CNBC

The Buss family retained approximately 15% ownership in the team, and Jeanie Buss has committed to serving as governor for at least five years. However, her long-term future with the franchise remains open-ended, stating, “That’s what I agreed to…Mark Walter and I are very comfortable with the way things are set up.”

Shifting Focus to Luka Dončić

A key strategic move accompanying the ownership change has been the Lakers’ commitment to building around Luka Dončić. The team traded star forward Anthony Davis for Dončić approximately a year prior to the sale’s completion. Buss expressed enthusiasm for Dončić, calling him a “young all-star that the fans love to observe.” CNBC

The future of LeBron James, who has been the face of the Lakers since 2018, is less certain. While James has not ruled out continuing his career, Buss acknowledged he hasn’t indicated a desire to return for another season, leaving open the possibility of retirement or a move to another team.

Beyond Basketball: Cincoro Tequila

Jeanie Buss’s ventures extend beyond the NBA. She is also a co-founder of Cincoro Tequila, launched in 2019 with Michael Jordan, Wes Edens, and Wyc Grousbeck. The brand, born from a shared passion for tequila among competitive NBA owners, has quickly gained recognition, even securing a sponsorship with the Los Angeles Lakers and releasing a limited-edition Lakers-themed bottle. CNBC

Buss described Jordan’s competitive spirit extending to the business world, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to quality.