Lakers' Luka Doncic sends strong message to 'iconic franchise' after record breaking $12.5B sale originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are once again heading in a different direction with their ownership. As the franchise prepares for an entirely new season on the court, the Lakers will also have a new look at the top of the organization.
On Wednesday morning, the Lakers were sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record breaking number.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, a record-breaking price, multiple sources told ESPN. The businessmen were involved in the expansion process in Las Vegas, but in a stunning turn, they pivoted to make an aggressive offer to buy the Lakers from Mark Walter, who purchased a controlling interest in the team from the Buss family last year for a then-record franchise valuation of approximately $10 billion,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wrote.
Former owner Mark Walter had only owned the Lakers for less than a year. He called owning the Lakers one of the greatest honors of his life.
“Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life - an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family. I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead,” Walter stated.
A few hours after the sale was announced, franchise superstar Luka Doncic shared his thoughts on the decision.
“Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA. I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise. I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together,” Doncic posted.
There is no doubt that Doncic is deeply embedded in the Lakers organization and committed to the future of the franchise. His message provides reassurance that he is locked in with the Lakers for the foreseeable future.
Doncic’s support of the organization is huge for the rest of the roster. If the franchise cornerstone is comfortable with the direction of the organization, the rest of the roster should feel confident as well. Doncic did the right thing by sending this message of encouragement to the Lakers and their new ownership group.
More NBA news:
- Warriors reportedly targeting $2M highly athletic guard with Finals experience to join Steph Curry
- Cavaliers expected to part ways with Max Strus, Dennis Schroder for $11M 3-and-D NBA champion
- Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht, Bronny James for $346M ex-Warriors championship duo
- Lakers still pursuing $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion to pair with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves
Leave a Comment