Jeanie Buss is doing what’s best for her, not the Lakers

“Our focus has always been what we believe is the best for the Lakers…”

That line came from a joint statement the Buss siblings released in August, as it became clear a battle was coming over the fate of the trust’s share in the Lakers. This week, the siblings made their stance on selling their minority stake in the team official by filing a formal opposition to Jeanie Buss’ claim that they do not have the right to do so.

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It’s the latest update in a story that will not be going away for multiple more months. But it keeps driving home the same point.

“…the best for the Lakers…”

To be clear, this is not an argument for or against the new owners, Bob Iger and Josh Kushner. They’re bringing plenty of baggage into this role as well.

Instead, this is an argument that it’s time for the Buss family to move on from the franchise. Is that their true intention behind this move? Almost assuredly not. But call it cashing out. Call it spite or pettiness. Whatever the reasoning, they’re arriving at the solution that best serves the franchise.

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Compare their messaging to that of Jeanie Buss’s. Her letter from her lawyer focused heavily on court orders mandating the family vote for her to remain the controlling owner of the Lakers. Her petition portrayed her as the one who had to come in once again and save the day from her scheming family. It suggested that the family trust’s best interest is to retain its stake in the team as franchise values skyrocket.

Does that sound like someone who has the Lakers front of mind? One side is doing what’s best for the Lakers — albeit while receiving a massive payday in doing so — while the other side is not.

Dr. Jerry Buss’ reign as owner was fruitful, but his children’s era has been far from it. The team does have a title to its name in that timeframe, but the Buss family has also had twice as many court appearances in that same span.

Long has the league moved past the Buss family. The lack of finances became more and more of an issue in recent years. The sale to Mark Walter seemed to be the perfect opportunity for a graceful exit as they faded into the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jeanie-buss-doing-best-her-152400841.html

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Publish date : 2026-10-09 15:24:00

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