What happened: Josh Kushner approached Mark Walter about his controlling interest last Friday, and Bob Iger joined the buying group. The NBA’s board of governors must approve the transfer, a process that can take several weeks.
Why it matters: The valuation surpasses the Boston Celtics’ $6.1 billion sale and the Seattle Seahawks’ $9.6 billion deal. The ownership shift comes as LeBron James prepares to leave Los Angeles and Luka Doncic becomes the franchise’s centerpiece.
By the numbers: The $12.5 billion valuation is 25% above the Lakers’ $10 billion mark in 2025. It is more than double the Celtics’ price, 3.1 times the Phoenix Suns’ $4 billion sale and about 30% above the Seahawks’ deal.
What to watch: The NBA’s review and formal vote will determine when control changes hands. Kushner and Iger’s leadership structure will shape the Lakers’ next phase around Doncic.