Luka Doncic faces new uncertainty as Lakers ownership changes twice in months
Luka Doncic joined the Los Angeles Lakers amid a rapid succession of ownership swaps, raising questions about the franchise’s stability.
After being traded from Dallas, Luka Doncic secured a three-year, $165 million maximum deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, which includes a player option for the 2028-2029 season. In the span of a few weeks, the franchise’s ownership moved from Mark Walter to a partnership of Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, marking the second change since the Buss family sold the team. Doncic posted a statement praising the Lakers brand and expressing eagerness to compete for a championship, while acknowledging the recent turbulence he has endured.
Under Walter, the organization introduced new front-office roles, laid off over a dozen staff, and emphasized data analytics, but the future direction under Iger and Kushner remains unclear. The superstar hopes the new leadership will provide the stability needed to build a title-contending roster.
Why it matters
Luka Doncic’s future success hinges on the Lakers’ ownership and front-office stability.
How this story developed
- Aug 12 Bob Iger and Josh Kushner Acquire Lakers for Over $12 Billion
- Aug 12 Former Disney chief Bob Iger and investor Josh Kushner have agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers for roughly $12.5 billion, pending NBA approval.
- Aug 12 The NBA Board of Governors scheduled a September vote on the proposed Lakers sale.
- Aug 13 The NBA’s advisory finance committee has begun its review of the proposed ownership change.
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