The Los Angeles Lakers remain in the middle of an ownership battle. For now, Jeanie Buss is still representing the franchise. NBA Board of Governors meetings will begin this week in New York, and Jeanie is expected to serve in her usual role as Lakers governor.
According to Tom Friend of Sports Business Journal, Jeanie Buss will likely represent the Lakers as their governor.
“Monday and Tuesday’s NBA’s Board of Governors session is a newsflash waiting to happen, straight down to who shows up to rep the Clippers and the Lakers. Indications are Steve Ballmer won’t and Jeanie Buss will, but, either way, the teams of L.A. are bringing dirty laundry East to N.Y.,”
Her expected attendance is notable considering there is no guarantee she will still hold that position once the Lakers’ ownership situation is settled. Friend reported that indications are that Buss will attend the meetings.
Jeanie Buss Remains in Charge for Now
There are still major questions about Buss’ long-term future with the Lakers. The Buss family’s remaining ownership stake at the center of an ongoing legal dispute. A court hearing is scheduled for December, so clarity on her future may be months away.
In the meantime, Buss attending the Board of Governors meetings provides at least some sense of normalcy. Despite everything happening behind the scenes, the Lakers are still operating under the same leadership structure they have had throughout the offseason.
No Lakers Sale Vote Expected
The proposed sale of the Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger is not expected to be voted on at this week’s meetings. The situation will be discussed, but the approval process will continue after this week.
That means there should be no immediate change in who represents the Lakers. Mark Walter remains the majority owner, and Buss remains governor while the ownership situation continues to play out.
Uncertainty Could Affect Lakers on Court
The timing of the ownership dispute is not ideal for the Lakers. The team is getting ready for training camp and have hopes for a championship season. Instead of having clear direction, questions about who will control the team could last well into the season.
Major ownership changes can eventually trickle down to basketball operations. A new ownership group could have different ideas. Whether it’s about spending, front-office personnel, or the franchise’s overall direction. That makes the uncertainty something the Lakers would prefer not to have hanging over them while trying to win.
For now, though, there is some stability. Buss remains in charge, and there has been no immediate change to the leadership structure overseeing the basketball side of the organization.
That allows the Lakers to focus on basketball rather than adjusting to a change at the top right before the season. Buss’ long-term future may still be uncertain, but her expected presence at this week’s meetings shows that, at least for now, it remains business as usual for the Lakers.
