The Los Angeles Lakers’ incoming ownership structure is beginning to come into focus, and despite Bob Iger’s expected prominence within the organization, Josh Kushner is reportedly the person who will ultimately hold the power.
According to Charles Gasparino of the New York Post, Kushner will become the Lakers’ lone controlling shareholder as part of the group’s proposed $12.5 billion purchase of the franchise from Mark Walter. The deal remains subject to NBA approval.
“The fact is, it’s Kushner – the 41-year-old brother of President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared – who will be the lone controlling shareholder of the Lakers, sources close to the situation said.”
Kushner Will Have Final Say
The distinction is important because initial coverage of the sale often presented Kushner and Iger together as the two central figures purchasing the Lakers.
While both will remain significant parts of the ownership group, their authority will not be equal. Gasparino reports that Kushner will serve as the Lakers’ governor, meaning he will have final decision-making authority.
Under NBA rules, the controlling owner must personally own at least 15% of the franchise. At a $12.5 billion valuation, that would require Kushner to personally invest at least $1.875 billion.
“There can only be one governor per team and that will be Josh Kushner. He will be putting up the 15% ownership stake,” a source close to the NBA told Gasparino.
That makes Kushner the most important figure at the top of the Lakers’ new ownership hierarchy, even if another familiar name becomes the more visible presence around the franchise.
Bob Iger Could Oversee Lakers Operations
Iger is still expected to have considerable influence with the Lakers. The former Disney CEO could become a minority owner and alternate governor while taking responsibility for much of the franchise’s day-to-day management.
Gasparino even raised the possibility of Iger serving in a general manager-type capacity.
“Iger is indeed poised to become a major player with the Lakers when it comes to being a face of the team and an executive overseeing its operations – general manager, maybe. But he won’t be the ‘governor’ in NBA parlance who makes the final decisions, a source close to the talks told me.”
A Clearer Lakers Power Structure
The arrangement creates an interesting division of responsibilities. Iger could become the public face of the ownership group in Los Angeles and play a significant role in running the organization, but the final authority would reside with Kushner.
For the Lakers, that distinction matters as the franchise prepares for another major ownership transition. Iger may ultimately be the executive fans see and hear from most often, but when it comes to who sits at the top of the organization and has the final say, Gasparino’s reporting makes the hierarchy clear.
That person will be Josh Kushner.
