Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner have taken over the Los Angeles Lakers in a $12.5 billion deal, and their first challenge will be deciding how much of the organization they actually want to change.
Their most important responsibility is building a team capable of competing around Luka Doncic. After being unexpectedly moved from Dallas and then experiencing multiple ownership changes in Los Angeles, Doncic has had little continuity.
With his contract containing a player option for 2028-29, the Lakers have time to prove that their new leadership can give him a legitimate chance to win his first championship.
The basketball operation will also require attention. Rob Pelinka currently runs the front office, but Iger and Kushner must determine whether they want to maintain the existing structure or add experienced executives around him. Former Warriors executive Bob Myers has already been mentioned as one possible high-profile option.
JJ Redick, meanwhile, has made a strong case to remain as head coach. He has guided Los Angeles to consecutive 50-win seasons and established himself with the roster despite having no professional coaching experience before taking the Lakers job.
Jeanie Buss is another important part of the transition. Iger has indicated that the incoming ownership group plans to respect the arrangement that keeps her as Governor.
“We have every intention to honor the agreement that was made between Mark and Jeanie,” Iger said. “If things change, they’ll change. But we’re going into this with enormous respect and appreciation for who she is and what she represents in the organization.”
Magic Johnson could also become useful to the new ownership group. His history with the franchise and previous front-office experience could make him an option for an advisory position rather than another full-time executive role.
Away from the court, Iger and Kushner inherit modernization projects already underway. Walter’s group had increased investment in analytics, biomechanics and player recovery, areas the new owners could continue developing.
Ultimately, their early decisions will revolve around three issues: establishing the right basketball leadership, maintaining enough continuity for Doncic and giving the organization the resources needed to compete for another championship.
6 ‘Magic’ pieces of advice for new Lakers owners Bob Iger and Josh Kushner: Keep Luka Doncic happy https://t.co/jYBpiONF8R pic.twitter.com/TKWhJfTswi
— New York Post (@nypost) August 14, 2026
