LOS ANGELES—After five of the Buss siblings agreed to sell their family stake in the NBA team, the Los Angeles Lakers, Jeanie Buss has refused to do so. Jeanie petitioned to block her siblings from selling the family stake in the franchise.
“The devious behavior of the co-trustees, Janie and Joey, as well as James, Johnny, and Jesse, is highlighted by the fact that they never revealed their scheme to Jeanie,” her petition states.
The other five siblings made the decision after former owner Mark Walter sold his portion of the stake for $12.5 billion. The new owners Josh Kushner and Bob Iger plan to have Jeanie Buss stay as governor for the next 4 years to live out Walter’s deal.
The Buss family indicated in a statement to ESPN:
“The Los Angeles Lakers have never been just a basketball team. They have been one of the greatest privileges of our lives. Our focus has always been on what we believe is best for the Lakers, the fans who have supported this franchise for generations and the greater Los Angeles community. Johnny, Jimmy, Janie, Joey and Jesse have made the decision to sell the family’s remaining stake, and we remain united in that decision.
We intend to move forward thoughtfully, respectfully and through the appropriate process. We have tremendous respect for Bob Iger and Josh Kushner and believe they understand what the Lakers represent to Los Angeles and our incredibly loyal fan base. We are confident they will honor everything this franchise stands for while building upon the foundation our father created.”
Without at least 15 percent, Jeanie Buss cannot be governor of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Jeanie Buss released a 97-page petition. A court hearing is scheduled to take place November 5.
Written By Adrian Betton and Donald Roberts
