Who Owns the Lakers?

2023-11-15

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The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic and successful franchises in the history of professional sports. With 17 NBA championships, the Lakers are tied with the Boston Celtics for the most titles in league history. The team also boasts a rich history of legendary players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant.

Given the Lakers' storied history and immense popularity, it's no surprise that the team is worth a staggering amount of money. According to Forbes, the Lakers are valued at $5.14 billion, making them the most valuable franchise in the NBA. So, who owns this incredibly valuable basketball team?

Who Owns the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are owned by a group of investors led by Jeanie Buss, the daughter of the late Lakers owner Jerry Buss.

Current Owner: Jeanie Buss
Took Over: 2017
Inherited Team From: Jerry Buss
Ownership Group: Buss Family Trust
Team Value: $5.14 Billion
Most Valuable Franchise: NBA

Jeanie Buss is the controlling owner of the Lakers, but she shares ownership with her five siblings and other members of the Buss family through the Buss Family Trust.

Current Owner: Jeanie Buss

Jeanie Buss is the current owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, taking over the reins of the franchise in 2017 following the death of her father, Jerry Buss. As the controlling owner, Jeanie Buss has the final say on all major decisions regarding the team, including player personnel, coaching staff, and business operations.

Inherited Team From Jerry Buss:
Jeanie Buss inherited the Lakers from her father, Jerry Buss, who purchased the team in 1979 and transformed it into one of the most successful franchises in NBA history. Jerry Buss was known for his innovative approach to team ownership and his commitment to winning, and Jeanie Buss has vowed to continue her father's legacy.
Part of Buss Family Trust:
Jeanie Buss does not own the Lakers outright. Instead, she shares ownership with her five siblings and other members of the Buss family through the Buss Family Trust. This trust was established by Jerry Buss to ensure that the Lakers would remain in the Buss family after his death.
Successful Businesswoman and Lakers Fan:
Jeanie Buss is a successful businesswoman in her own right. She has served as the Lakers' executive vice president of business operations and president of the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. Jeanie Buss is also a lifelong Lakers fan and has been involved with the team since she was a child.
Committed to Winning:
Jeanie Buss is committed to winning and maintaining the Lakers' status as one of the top teams in the NBA. She has been willing to spend money on player salaries and has made some bold moves in an effort to improve the team. Jeanie Buss is also focused on providing a great fan experience and has overseen renovations to the Lakers' home arena, the Staples Center.

Under Jeanie Buss's ownership, the Lakers have won one NBA championship in 2020 and have consistently been one of the top contenders in the league. She is a popular and respected figure among Lakers fans and is seen as the ideal person to lead the team into the future.

Took Over: 2017

Jeanie Buss took over as controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 following the death of her father, Jerry Buss. Jerry Buss had been the Lakers' owner since 1979 and was widely credited with transforming the team into one of the most successful franchises in NBA history. After his death, there was some uncertainty about who would take over ownership of the Lakers, but Jeanie Buss was seen as the natural successor.

Jeanie Buss had been involved with the Lakers for many years prior to taking over as owner. She served as the team's executive vice president of business operations and was also the president of the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. Jeanie Buss is also a lifelong Lakers fan and has been attending games since she was a child. She is known for her passion for the team and her commitment to winning.

Since taking over as owner, Jeanie Buss has made some significant changes to the Lakers' front office and coaching staff. She hired Magic Johnson as the team's president of basketball operations and later promoted him to president of basketball operations and head coach. Jeanie Buss also hired Rob Pelinka as the team's general manager. These moves were seen as an attempt to shake things up and bring a fresh perspective to the Lakers' organization.

Jeanie Buss's first few years as owner were met with mixed results. The Lakers made the playoffs in 2018 and 2019, but they were eliminated in the first round both times. However, in 2020, the Lakers won the NBA championship, their first title since 2010. Jeanie Buss was praised for her leadership and her commitment to building a winning team.

Jeanie Buss is now firmly entrenched as the Lakers' owner and is likely to remain in that role for many years to come. She is a popular and respected figure among Lakers fans and is seen as the ideal person to lead the team into the future.

Inherited Team From: Jerry Buss

Jeanie Buss inherited the Los Angeles Lakers from her father, Jerry Buss, who purchased the team in 1979. Jerry Buss was a legendary figure in the NBA and is widely credited with transforming the Lakers into one of the most successful franchises in league history.

Purchased Lakers in 1979:
Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers for $6.5 million in 1979. At the time, the Lakers were a struggling franchise, but Buss quickly turned things around. He hired Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of the greatest players in NBA history, and the Lakers went on to win five NBA championships in the 1980s.
Innovative Owner:
Jerry Buss was known for his innovative approach to team ownership. He was one of the first owners to embrace marketing and merchandising, and he also helped to popularize the NBA on television. Buss was also a strong advocate for player empowerment and was instrumental in the creation of the NBA's salary cap.
Built a Dynasty:
Under Jerry Buss's ownership, the Lakers won 10 NBA championships, more than any other team during that span. The Lakers' success was due in large part to Buss's ability to attract and retain top talent. He was also willing to spend money on his team, and he always put winning first.
Legacy of Success:
Jerry Buss died in 2013 at the age of 80. He left behind a legacy of success that is unmatched in NBA history. The Lakers are one of the most valuable franchises in the league, and they continue to be one of the most popular teams among fans. Jeanie Buss is now the Lakers' owner, and she is committed to continuing her father's legacy of winning and innovation.

Jeanie Buss is fortunate to have inherited the Lakers from her father. Jerry Buss built a championship-caliber franchise, and Jeanie Buss is determined to maintain that legacy. The Lakers are one of the most iconic teams in sports, and they have a bright future under Jeanie Buss's ownership.

Ownership Group: Buss Family Trust

The Buss Family Trust is the ownership group of the Los Angeles Lakers. The trust was established by Jerry Buss in 1996 to ensure that the Lakers would remain in the Buss family after his death. The trust is controlled by Jeanie Buss, Jerry Buss's daughter, who is also the Lakers' controlling owner.

The Buss Family Trust owns 66% of the Lakers, with the remaining 34% owned by a group of minority investors. The minority investors include Phil Anschutz, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist, and Edward P. Roski Jr., a real estate developer and former owner of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team.

The Buss Family Trust is a complex legal entity, but its purpose is simple: to keep the Lakers in the Buss family and to ensure that the team continues to be operated in a successful and profitable manner. The trust has been successful in achieving its goals. The Lakers are one of the most valuable franchises in the NBA, and they continue to be one of the most popular teams among fans.

The Buss Family Trust is also committed to giving back to the community. The trust has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations in the Los Angeles area. The trust has also been instrumental in the development of the Lakers' new arena, the Intuit Dome, which is scheduled to open in 2024.

The Buss Family Trust is a strong and stable ownership group that is committed to the long-term success of the Los Angeles Lakers. The trust is led by Jeanie Buss, a passionate and experienced sports executive who is determined to continue her father's legacy of winning and innovation.

Team Value: $5.14 Billion

The Los Angeles Lakers are the most valuable franchise in the NBA, with a value of $5.14 billion according to Forbes. This is more than double the value of the second-most valuable team, the New York Knicks, which is worth $2.5 billion.

Strong Brand and History:
The Lakers' strong brand and rich history are major factors contributing to their high valuation. The team has won 17 NBA championships, more than any other team in league history. The Lakers are also one of the most popular teams among fans, both in the United States and around the world.
Location and Market Size:
The Lakers are located in Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States. Los Angeles is a major media market and a hotbed for sports fandom. The Lakers have a large and passionate fan base in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.
Revenue Streams:
The Lakers generate revenue from a variety of sources, including ticket sales, merchandise sales, television contracts, and sponsorships. The team also owns and operates its own arena, the Staples Center, which is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world.
Player Salaries:
The Lakers have one of the highest payrolls in the NBA, with a total salary of over $100 million for the 2022-23 season. This is due in part to the team's star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the Lakers are also willing to spend money on role players and depth, which has helped them to remain competitive in recent years.

The Lakers' value is expected to continue to rise in the coming years. The team is well-positioned to succeed both on and off the court, and they have a strong ownership group that is committed to investing in the team. The Lakers are a global brand and one of the most recognizable sports teams in the world. As a result, they are likely to remain one of the most valuable franchises in the NBA for many years to come.

Most Valuable Franchise: NBA

Strong Brand and History:
The Lakers' strong brand and rich history are major factors contributing to their high valuation. The team has won 17 NBA championships, more than any other team in league history. The Lakers are also one of the most popular teams among fans, both in the United States and around the world.
Location and Market Size:
The Lakers are located in Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States. Los Angeles is a major media market and a hotbed for sports fandom. The Lakers have a large and passionate fan base in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.
Revenue Streams:
The Lakers generate revenue from a variety of sources, including ticket sales, merchandise sales, television contracts, and sponsorships. The team also owns and operates its own arena, the Staples Center, which is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world.
Player Salaries:
The Lakers have one of the highest payrolls in the NBA, with a total salary of over $100 million for the 2022-23 season. This is due in part to the team's star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the Lakers are also willing to spend money on role players and depth, which has helped them to remain competitive in recent years.

The Lakers' success is a testament to the strength of the NBA as a league. The NBA is the most popular basketball league in the world, and it is home to some of the best players and teams in the sport. The NBA is also a very profitable league, and its teams are among the most valuable in all of professional sports.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers:

Question 1: Who owns the Lakers?
Answer 1: The Lakers are currently owned by a group of investors led by Jeanie Buss, the daughter of the late Lakers owner Jerry Buss.

Question 2: When did Jeanie Buss take over as owner of the Lakers?
Answer 2: Jeanie Buss took over as controlling owner of the Lakers in 2017 after her father's death.

Question 3: Who was the previous owner of the Lakers?
Answer 3: Jerry Buss was the previous owner of the Lakers. He purchased the team in 1979 and owned it until his death in 2013.

Question 4: How much is the Lakers franchise worth?
Answer 4: According to Forbes, the Lakers are worth $5.14 billion, making them the most valuable franchise in the NBA.

Question 5: Who is the president of the Lakers?
Answer 5: Rob Pelinka is the president of the Lakers.

Question 6: Who is the general manager of the Lakers?
Answer 6: Rob Pelinka is also the general manager of the Lakers.

Question 7: Where do the Lakers play their home games?
Answer 7: The Lakers play their home games at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

The Lakers are one of the most popular and successful teams in the NBA, and they have a rich history and tradition. The team is owned by a strong ownership group led by Jeanie Buss, and they are well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.

Here are some additional tips for learning more about the Lakers:

Tips

Here are some tips for learning more about the Los Angeles Lakers:

Tip 1: Visit the Lakers' official website.

The Lakers' official website is a great resource for information about the team, including news, schedules, and player profiles. You can also purchase tickets and merchandise on the website.

Tip 2: Follow the Lakers on social media.

The Lakers are active on social media, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Following the team on social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments.

Tip 3: Watch Lakers games on TV or online.

Lakers games are broadcast on a variety of TV channels, including ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. You can also watch Lakers games online through streaming services such as NBA League Pass.

Tip 4: Attend a Lakers game at the Staples Center.

There is nothing quite like experiencing the excitement of a Lakers game in person. If you have the opportunity, attending a game at the Staples Center is a must-do for any Lakers fan.

These are just a few tips for learning more about the Los Angeles Lakers. By following these tips, you can stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments surrounding the team.

The Lakers are one of the most popular and successful teams in the NBA. They have a rich history and tradition, and they are always a contender for the championship. If you are a fan of basketball, then you should definitely learn more about the Lakers.

Conclusion

The Lakers are currently owned by a group of investors led by Jeanie Buss, the daughter of the late Lakers owner Jerry Buss. Jeanie Buss took over as controlling owner of the team in 2017 after her father's death. The Lakers are valued at $5.14 billion, making them the most valuable franchise in the NBA.

The Lakers are a global brand and one of the most recognizable sports teams in the world. They have a large and passionate fan base, and they are always a contender for the championship. The Lakers are a team with a rich history and a bright future.

Whether you are a lifelong Lakers fan or just a casual observer of the NBA, there is no denying the impact that the team has had on the sport of basketball. The Lakers are a team that is synonymous with success, and they are sure to continue to be a major force in the NBA for many years to come.

As the Lakers continue to chase their 18th NBA championship, they will do so with the support of their passionate fan base and the leadership of Jeanie Buss and her ownership group. The future is bright for the Los Angeles Lakers.