Lakers’ $10 Billion Sale: Winners and Losers in the Post-Buss Era

Dodgers owner Mark Walter takes control of the NBA’s most valuable franchise—and the ripple effects extend far beyond Los Angeles.

By Sam Quinn

The Buss family’s 46-year reign over the Lakers—marked by 11 championships—has come to an end. Billionaire Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is acquiring a majority stake in the franchise for a staggering $10 billion, the highest price tag in NBA history. This isn’t just a transaction; it’s a seismic shift that will reshape the Lakers’ future, the league’s economics, and even the career trajectory of stars like Luka Dončić.

The Big Winners

1. Luka Dončić
The Slovenian superstar finally gets the front-office support his talent deserves. While the Buss era delivered titles, it was also plagued by questionable decisions (losing Jalen Brunson and Kristaps Porziņģis for nothing). Walter, however, turned the Dodgers into a juggernaut: 4 World Series appearances, 2 titles, and playoff berths every year under his ownership. Dončić can now expect shrewd roster moves and elite management.

2. Other NBA Owners
This sale resets franchise valuations. If the Lakers are worth $10B, expansion teams (Las Vegas, Seattle) could now fetch well above the initial $5–6B estimates. And who benefits? Current owners, who will split expansion fees 30 ways.

3. The Buss Family
They’re walking away with $1.1 billion per heir—while Jeanie Buss retains her governor role (for now). A fitting exit for the dynasty that defined modern basketball.

The Losers

1. The Boston Celtics
The historic rivalry just got a financial reality check: The Celtics sold for $6B in 2024, while the Lakers are now worth 66% more. Boston’s cost-cutting concerns (due to the second apron) will only deepen the divide.

2. The Rest of the NBA
The Lakers operated like a "family business," prioritizing nostalgia (Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka) over efficiency. Under Walter, expect data-driven spending and no fear of the luxury tax. The league can no longer rely on L.A. to self-sabotage.

3. Rob Pelinka
The current GM is on thin ice. Walter didn’t pay $10B to keep a shaky front office (see: letting Alex Caruso walk in 2021 to save money). Names like Bob Myers (ex-Warriors) are already floating as replacements.

What Changes Now?

• Dončić + LeBron = Unstoppable? With Walter’s deep pockets (and Dodgers-style analytics), the duo will get the supporting cast they’ve lacked.

• No More "Lakers Way" Nostalgia: Farewell to legacy hires (Rambis, Westbrook). Winning trumps sentimentality.

• Expansion Coming Soon: The NBA will fast-track new teams—and their price tags just skyrocketed.

The Bottom Line: The Lakers are entering the big-money analytics era. The rest of the league? Consider this fair warning.

Key Takeaways

• Dodgers Blueprint: Walter revolutionized baseball with analytics. The Lakers are next.

• Celtics vs. Lakers: The rivalry’s financial gap has never been wider.