The Lakers could soon enter a new era without the Buss family, something several franchise legends once found difficult to imagine.
Mark Walter is set to sell his controlling stake to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger in a deal valuing the Lakers at $12.5 billion.
Meanwhile, five Buss siblings have voted to sell the family’s remaining 17.8% stake, while Jeanie Buss is fighting the move.
“I don’t think he [Dr. Jerry Buss] would be very happy with the state of the Lakers right now,” three-time champion Byron Scott said.
Scott also admitted he never expected the Lakers to leave the family’s control.
“I never thought in my lifetime that I would see anybody, any other organization, company or corporation owning the Los Angeles Lakers,” he said.
Robert Horry shared similar feelings about a potential future without the Buss family.
“That would be sad,” Horry said. “It would be strange and very, very sad.”
Horry credited Jerry Buss with changing basketball through Showtime and the connection between the Lakers and Hollywood.
“So for the Buss family not to be involved in some way would be such a sad thing,” Horry said.
Michael Cooper avoided taking sides but praised Jerry Buss and expressed confidence in Jeanie.
“I really always believe that Jeanie Buss will do what’s best for the Lakers,” Cooper said. “But the Lakers, no matter who owns them, will always be the Lakers.”
Matt Barnes was more direct in supporting Jeanie.
“I love Jeanie. Absolutely love Jeanie and what she’s about,” Barnes said. “It’s unfortunate that family drama – and I’ve had it – has to play out publicly. But I support Jeanie 100 percent.”
The Buss family has been closely connected to the Lakers since Jerry Buss purchased the franchise in 1979.
Lakers legends give unfiltered takes on Buss family drama https://t.co/6mFvq7bVEX pic.twitter.com/oa8JeRMPzS
— New York Post (@nypost) August 21, 2026
