Several Los Angeles Lakers legends have spoken out about the potential sale of the Buss family's remaining stake in the NBA franchise, expressing a mix of sadness and concern over the evolving ownership landscape. The potential sale, with Mark Walter's majority stake set to be acquired by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger at a $12.5 billion valuation, could see the Buss family siblings exit their 17.8% ownership, a move Jeanie Buss is reportedly fighting.
Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers in 1979, transforming the team into a global brand, and his children have controlled the team for nearly five decades. For many who played during that era, the family's connection to the team was paramount.
"I don’t think he [Dr. Jerry Buss] would be very happy with the state of the Lakers right now," said three-time champion Byron Scott, reflecting on the family dispute. Scott, who played during the Lakers' high-profile Showtime era, emphasized the inseparable bond between the organization's identity and the Buss family.
"I never thought in my lifetime that I would see anybody, any other organization, company or corporation owning the Los Angeles Lakers," Scott stated. The prospect of the Buss family no longer being involved is seen by some as a significant loss.
Robert Horry, a seven-time NBA champion and current analyst, described the potential departure of the Buss family as "strange and very, very sad." He highlighted Dr. Buss's lasting impact on the NBA, including the fusion of basketball and Hollywood, the creation of the Laker Girls, and the Forum Club.
"There are so many things like that that he brought to basketball that all these other organizations kind of piggybacked off of," Horry commented. "So for the Buss family not to be involved in some way would be such a sad thing."
These sentiments echo the core of Dr. Buss's philosophy: fostering a sense of family within the organization. "That’s what Dr. Buss really talked to us about, was making it a family," Scott recalled. "And we all felt a part of that family."
Michael Cooper, another key figure from the Showtime Lakers, refrained from commenting directly on the siblings' dispute while the situation remains fluid. However, he expressed deep respect for the patriarch, calling Dr. Buss "a one-of-a-kind owner. The greatest owner in sports that I’ve ever played for."
Cooper voiced confidence in Jeanie Buss's ability to navigate the situation, stating, "I really always believe that Jeanie Buss will do what’s best for the Lakers. But the Lakers, no matter who owns them, will always be the Lakers."
Former Lakers and Clippers forward Matt Barnes was more direct in his support for Jeanie Buss. "I love Jeanie. Absolutely love Jeanie and what she’s about," Barnes said. "It’s unfortunate that family drama — and I’ve had it — has to play out publicly. But I support Jeanie 100 percent."
Barnes believes Jeanie Buss has strived to uphold her father's vision for the Lakers and expressed hope that she will remain involved in management under the new ownership. "I think she’s done a great job of trying to continue to make the Lakers stand for what her dad wanted them to stand for," Barnes added.
Throughout the team's history, the Lakers have navigated changes in arenas, coaches, and players, but the Buss family's name has been a constant thread. This current ownership dispute, potentially heading towards legal battles, raises the unprecedented possibility of an era without the Buss family at the helm of the Los Angeles Lakers.