Commentary: Lakers had a great ride with Buss family, but Dodgers owner will give team new life https://t.co/rpLbm0llY3— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 19, 2025

Deep pockets no longer matter in the NBA because of the new CBA. It will be more about vision and the execution of that vision than dollars.

The Lakers now have the LARGEST sale of a professional sports franchise in the world 😳 💰 pic.twitter.com/I871mq03On— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 18, 2025

FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:

The Buss family has agreed in principle to sell the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sporting brands in the world, to financier Mark Walter in a deal valued at a record $10 billion, league sources told The Athletic.

The sale, which is not yet finalized, could reach $12 billion in value, according to one source with knowledge of the negotiations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the sale.

Even at the lower number, the sale would be the largest for any sports team, and it will affect not only how competitive the Lakers can be in the NBA, but will also impact the other storied Los Angeles sports team for whom Walter is the controlling owner, the Dodgers.

Jeanie Buss, 63, will remain governor after the sale is complete, a league source said. Her father purchased the Lakers in 1979 and the following year the Lakers were NBA champions, the first of 10 titles they would win under his ownership. With stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and especially Magic Johnson, the “Showtime” Lakers of the 1980s helped to reinvigorate the league’s popularity and made the franchise one of the most popular in all of sports.

Jeannie Buss has been team governor and controlling owner since 2017, four years after her father died and a legal dispute among his children was settled allowing her to take control.

The pending sale was first reported by ESPN.

Walter, 65, is chief executive of Guggenheim Partners, a global financial services firm with more than $325 billion in assets. He led the group that bought the Dodgers in 2012 for $2 billion. The franchise has won two World Series titles since and operated as one of the best organizations in professional sports.

Walter first took a stake in the Lakers in 2021 when he and Todd Boehly bought a 27 percent share of the franchise, then valued at about $5 billion, and it included a right of first negotiation, according to one source with knowledge of the deal.

Buss bought the Lakers for about $68 million from Jack Kent Cooke, the former owner, in a complex deal that also gave him the Los Angeles Kings and the Forum. The price of the Lakers has gone up drastically since then.

The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships – second only to the Boston Celtics – and have at multiple points in their storied existence employed the “face” of the league, or a player so important professionally and culturally that he transcends any box score. From Wilt, to Kareem, to Magic to Shaq to Kobe to LeBron, the Lakers added to that impressive list by trading for perennial MVP candidate Luka Dončić last February.

FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:

5. Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors receive:
-Austin Reaves
-Maxi Kleber

Los Angeles Lakers receive:
-Jakob Poeltl

4. Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz receive:
-Austin Reaves
_Jarred Vanderbilt
-Dalton Knecht
-2030 first-round pick swap (top-three-protected)

Los Angeles Lakers receive:
-Walker Kessler
-Collin Sexton
-No. 43 pick

3. New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans receive:
-Austin Reaves
-Rui Hachimura
-Gabe Vincent

Los Angeles Lakers receive:
-Nic Claxton
-Cameron Johnson

Brooklyn Nets receive:
-C.J. McCollum
-Dalton Knecht
-2026 first-round pick (lottery-protected, via NOP)
-2029 first-round pick (top-five-protected, via NOP)
-2031 first-round pick (via LAL)

2. Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons receive:
-Austin Reaves

Los Angeles Lakers receive:
-Jalen Duren
-Simone Fontecchio
-No. 37 pick

1. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks receive:
-Austin Reaves
-Shake Milton

Los Angeles Lakers receive:
-Dereck Lively II
-P.J. Washington

FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:

Lakers’ Defensive Revival: The Case for Marcus Smart

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crucial juncture, grappling with the reality of their current roster configuration in the absence of a dominant big man. While the challenges are evident, particularly on the defensive end, the solution may not solely hinge on acquiring a traditional center. Instead, the focus could shift to bolstering their backcourt with a player who embodies defensive excellence: Marcus Smart.

A Defensive Dynamo

Marcus Smart, a former guard for the Boston Celtics, has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s premier defenders. Averaging 10 points per game throughout his career, his true value lies in his relentless defensive tenacity. Smart has earned accolades that underscore his prowess, including the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award and three selections to the All-Defensive First Team. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and guard multiple positions makes him a rare asset in today’s NBA.

Lakers’ Defensive Shortcomings

The Lakers’ defensive struggles have been magnified in recent seasons, particularly with the departure of Anthony Davis. While rumors have circulated regarding the need for a center to fill the void, the reality is that the team’s perimeter defense also requires significant attention. Current backcourt players, including Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, do not consistently rank as strong defenders, highlighting an urgent need for improvement.

A Strategic Fit for the Lakers

Currently with the Washington Wizards after being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies, Smart finds himself in a situation that may not align with his ambitions. At 31, he is not a long-term fit for a rebuilding franchise like the Wizards, where his talents could be underutilized. Transitioning to the Lakers would not only allow Smart to thrive alongside elite players but also provide him with the opportunity to impact winning basketball once again. His experience and defensive acumen could significantly enhance the Lakers’ backcourt, creating a formidable duo with Dončić.

Future Implications for the Lakers

As the Lakers look toward the offseason, the potential acquisition of Marcus Smart could serve as a turning point for the franchise. His arrival would not only address immediate defensive needs but also set the stage for a more competitive team moving forward. The synergy between Smart and Dončić could redefine the team’s identity, infusing it with a defensive mindset that complements their offensive capabilities.

In conclusion, while the Lakers may be exploring various options to revitalize their roster, the addition of Marcus Smart stands out as a strategic move that could reshape their defensive landscape. Embracing a player with Smart’s caliber may not just enhance their chances of success in the upcoming season but also lay the groundwork for a new era of Lakers basketball, centered on resilience and defensive strength

Wizards Receive Unfortunate Marcus Smart Trade Report on Monday https://t.co/uwjfFf7bA8 via @athlonsports— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 18, 2025

Was this written 3 seasons ago? Smart hasn’t averaged even close to 1 Defensive Win Share since his last season in Boston. Since then, in Memphis, he’s had a negative win share on offense without anything close to the defensive win share impact he had in Bean Town. At over $21 million you’d need to give at least 2 players who have already established themselves as well as Smart has been able to. Washington is looking for a complete and total bail out. If he gets waived the Lakers may have a shot at him but there’s no reason to trade anyone who can actually play and contribute for him at this point.