Lakers Sold for $12.5 Billion to Former Clippers Fan Bob Iger and Group

The Los Angeles Lakers recently underwent a remarkable ownership change, selling for $12.5 billion to a team that includes Bob Iger, who had once claimed he could not root for the Lakers. Iger, the former CEO of Disney, joined forces with Josh Kushner in this acquisition, marking a significant shift for someone who spent years supporting the Clippers, the Lakers’ cross-town rivals.

Fans were quick to recall Iger’s past remarks when the news broke of the Lakers sale. In January 2021, Bob Iger addressed his reluctance to back the Lakers in an episode of ‘The Old Man and the Three’ podcast, hosted by current Lakers head coach JJ Redick. During the podcast, Iger explained that after relocating to California in 2000, he could not support the Lakers. Growing up as a New York Knicks fan contributed to this sentiment, making the idea of rooting for the Lakers unappealing.

Instead, Iger gravitated toward the Clippers for his basketball needs, particularly since their ticket prices were much lower than those of the more successful Lakers. At the time, he explicitly told Redick, “their seats were a lot cheaper than the Lakers.” This financial consideration was a significant factor in his support choice.

The man who decided to back the Clippers for cost reasons is now a part-owner of the Lakers franchise. The timing of the deal adds a layer of intrigue. Mark Walter, a billionaire, had agreed to purchase the Buss family’s controlling stake in the Lakers in June 2025, valuing it at approximately $10 billion. In a mere 14 months, Walter sold the Lakers for $12.5 billion.

This quick flip occurs as Walter’s business dealings reportedly undergo federal scrutiny, particularly regarding billions in private-credit investments. While no evidence suggests these investigations prompted the sale or that Walter needed quick funds, the transaction timing is noteworthy.

Bob Iger, with ample resources, managed to join the purchase. Having previously claimed that he couldn’t root for the Lakers, becoming one of their owners is an unexpected development. This transition from avoiding the Lakers to owning them highlights a substantial shift in Iger’s sports affiliations.