Lakers Sale Sets New Record as Josh Kushner and Bob Iger Agree to $12.5 Billion Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers are set for another major change in ownership after Josh Kushner and Disney executive Bob Iger agreed to purchase the iconic NBA franchise for a reported $12.5 billion. If approved, the transaction would become the most expensive sale ever recorded for a professional sports team.

The proposed deal comes only about a year after Mark Walter acquired a controlling stake in the Lakers from the Buss family at a valuation of roughly $10 billion. Walter is now reportedly selling only his Lakers interest while retaining his investments in other sports organizations.

Kushner and Iger said they are honored by the opportunity to lead one of the most recognizable franchises in global sports. They emphasized their intention to preserve the Lakers' legacy while building a team capable of competing for championships.

The transaction still requires approval from the NBA's Board of Governors. That process could take several weeks, with the next scheduled meeting expected in September.

Kushner, the founder of Thrive Capital, has previous experience in professional sports ownership. He currently has a minority interest in the Miami Heat, which he would need to sell before completing the Lakers purchase. Iger, meanwhile, previously served as Disney's chief executive and is also involved with Angel City FC of the National Women's Soccer League.

Lakers star Luka Doncic welcomed the potential ownership change, expressing excitement about working with the incoming owners and helping bring another championship to Los Angeles.

The ownership news comes during a period of significant change for the Lakers, particularly following the departure of longtime superstar LeBron James. Doncic has emerged as the franchise's central figure as the organization looks toward its next era.

Russell Westbrook Retires After 18 NBA Seasons

Former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement from professional basketball at age 37, ending an 18-year career that included seven different teams.

Westbrook entered the NBA in 2008 after playing two seasons at UCLA. He was selected fourth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics, who relocated to Oklahoma City before he played his first NBA game.

He spent 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder and became one of the most important players in franchise history. During his time in Oklahoma City, Westbrook played alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden and helped the team reach the NBA Finals in 2012.

One of the defining moments of his career came during the 2016-17 season, when Westbrook became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over an entire season. He finished that campaign with averages of 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game and won the NBA MVP award.

Westbrook also established an NBA record with 42 triple-doubles that season. He eventually surpassed Robertson's career triple-double record and finished his career with 209, a mark that remains one of the most remarkable statistical achievements of the modern NBA.

Across his career, Westbrook averaged 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game. He was selected to nine All-Star teams and finished with more than 27,000 points and 10,000 assists.

After leaving Oklahoma City, Westbrook played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.

In his final season with Sacramento, he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds while starting 58 games. He also became the NBA's career leader in rebounds among players listed as point guards.

Although Westbrook had opportunities to continue playing, including interest from Sacramento and Washington, he ultimately decided to end his career on his own terms.

His retirement closes the chapter on one of the NBA's most explosive and statistically accomplished careers, highlighted by elite athleticism, relentless competitiveness and a record-setting ability to produce triple-doubles.