The Los Angeles Lakers continue to find their way into the news cycle for the most dramatic reasons. A dispute over Jeanie Buss and her brothers selling the family’s remaining share of Lakers’ ownership could force NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to get involved. Five of Jeanie’s siblings have agreed that they want to sell the family’s share to new owners Bob Iger and Josh Kusher. However, Jeanie is trying to block this as the family figurehead of the time after their father Jerry Buss passed away.
Sports Business Journal’s Tom Friend revealed that Silver is expected to get involved and why it may help Jeanie:
“The Lakers’ situation isn’t as clear cut, with sources believing Commissioner Adam Silver — who has always been close with Jeanie Buss — will try to help smooth over the Buss family chaos.”
The Buss family drama has existed for years, with some siblings unhappy that Jeanie eventually succeeded their father as the business face of the franchise. Players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will likely not be impacted any way by the ownership drama. However, it does create some negative vibes while preparing for a season that will already see a lot of pressure on the team after some bold offseason moves.
Why This Is Good News For Jeanie Buss
The Lakers situation can only see Buss benefiting from Silver’s involvement in the messy situation. Friend revealed that Silver and Jeanie have had a close relationship throughout the years from the Kobe Bryant era to the current level where both are in powerful positions.
Silver spent years under the guidance of former Commissioner David Stern once the latter viewed the former as his ideal successor. Jeanie had the same experience from a team dynamic when her father realized she was the one to succeed him. The league has benefited from Jeanie and Lakers having talents like Bryant, Doncic, and LeBron James.
Any involvement from Silver adds someone who fully understands Jeanie’s situation and doesn’t want her out of the league. The Lakers will be a top franchise regardless of who owns it, but the Buss family have been involved with the Lakers for the entire modern era.
How Jeanie Buss Can Remain Lakers Owner
The confusing dynamic of NBA ownership sees a lot of names involved with typically one controlling owner. Jeanie wants to buy more shares up to 15% and secure the lockdown spot of being the controlling owner of the Lakers.
Silver will likely do his best to ensure that Jeanie remains in an important position, but the legalities of this may go beyond him. The Lakers have already been in the news all summer for losing LeBron and going “all in” on Walker Kessler as their third star.
A risky season will be clouded by all the ownership drama unless it is figured out before then. Another noteworthy aspect of Silver’s involvement is likely to speed up the process and get the Buss siblings on the same page. Jeanie will explore every option to make sure this situation works out to continue her family legacy.
Adam Silver Expected To Help Jeanie Buss’ Lakers Owner Drama