Bill Simmons' Lakers Sale Claims Questioned by New Report
Reports indicate Josh Kushner and Bob Iger are actively seeking investors for the Los Angeles Lakers, contradicting claims that funds are unavailable.
Reports have emerged refuting claims made by sports personality Bill Simmons regarding the financing of the Los Angeles Lakers' sale. Simmons had asserted that Josh Kushner, who reportedly purchased the franchise in August for $12.5 billion, was struggling to secure the necessary funds.
On a recent episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast," Simmons, a noted fan of the Boston Celtics, stated, "The Lakers guy doesn’t have the money yet." He elaborated, suggesting Kushner was "still searching for about $5-6 billion" and that Iger's contribution was minimal, implying the Buss family was being used as a scapegoat for delays.
However, a report from Front Office Sports indicates that Kushner and Bob Iger have been actively offering minority stakes in the Lakers to potential investors, with prices starting at $250 million. This suggests a process of building out an ownership group rather than a struggle to raise capital. The report also noted significant demand from investors to participate in the deal.
Further corroboration came from Dan Woike of The Athletic, who confirmed the Front Office Sports report and stated via an X post that there are no issues with securing funding for the $12.5 billion sale. These reports directly challenge Simmons' assertions about the financial standing of the deal, suggesting it is not in jeopardy due to a lack of funds.