As the new co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, Bob Iger brings with him a record-breaking valuation of $12.5 billion, surpassing the previous record set by Mark Walter in 2025.
The Lakers' valuation has more than doubled in less than two years, with Iger and Josh Kushner making the deal in just 72 hours. This swift turnaround has raised eyebrows, particularly given the federal investigation into Walter's corporate empire.
Iger's background as a former Disney CEO and his close relationships with prominent NBA players like Chris Paul have generated excitement among fans. He has expressed a desire to build value from the current state of the team, without revealing any specific plans.
Jeanie Buss, the team's governor, is expected to continue in her role for now, despite the change in ownership. Iger has praised the Buss family's contributions to the franchise, highlighting their 46-year reign.
The team's recent performance has been underwhelming, with their last non-pandemic championship coming in 2010. The departure of LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers has left Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves as the team's primary stars.
The Lakers have a rich history, with 17 total championships and a legacy of success that includes the "Showtime" run of titles in the 1970s and '80s with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar. However, the team's business operations have been criticized for being behind those of other top franchises.
Lon Rosen, the Dodgers' longtime executive vice president and chief marketing officer, was brought in by Walter as the Lakers' president of business operations in February. The team's G-league team was relocated, and there were initiatives to bolster the squad's assistant general manager ranks and its sports science resources.
The team's revenue, while still significant, lags behind that of other top franchises. According to a recent ranking by Sportico, the Lakers' 2025 revenue was well behind that of the Golden State Warriors at $833 million.
As the new era of the Lakers begins, Iger's approach will be closely watched. His passion for the NBA and his experience as a fan will likely influence his decisions. With a new ownership group in place, the team's future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.
Source: Yahoo Sports