Fans have expressed significant concern and anger following the announcement of the Los Angeles Lakers' $12.5 billion sale, with many fearing potential political influence due to the new ownership's connections. The team, previously owned by Mark Walter, was sold on Wednesday to a consortium headed by Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger.
Walter, who had acquired the Lakers for $10 billion in June 2025, is reportedly selling the team amid federal investigations into suspected loan fraud by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the FBI. This timing has fueled speculation among fans that the sale might be linked to these investigations.
The primary source of fan consternation stems from Josh Kushner's familial ties. He is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who served as a senior advisor in the White House during his father-in-law Donald Trump's presidency. Social media platforms were quickly filled with reactions from fans, with many explicitly linking the sale to Trump's potential influence.
One user on X posted, "We're all thinking the same thing, right? Trump basically just bought the Lakers." Another comment stated, "Lakers are [a part] of the Trump/Kushner family empire now." A Knicks fan expressed concerns about the increasing role of private equity and questioned, "how long until Trump is involved with the Lakers?"
Despite the public scrutiny and fan backlash, there are indications that Josh Kushner and his brother Jared may hold differing political views. Jared Kushner is married to Ivanka Trump and holds a position as United States Special Envoy for Peace Missions in the Trump White House. Conversely, Josh Kushner and his wife, model Karlie Kloss, are reportedly associated with more left-leaning political stances.
Mark Walter is expected to retain his role as head of Guggenheim Baseball Management, the ownership group for the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite selling his stake in the Lakers. The sale marks a significant financial transaction in professional sports, with the added layer of public concern over potential political entanglements.