Bob Iger says "we are deeply honored for the opportunity" on Lakers purchase

After reports of federal scrutiny of Mark Walter’s businesses and questions about his health, Bob Iger and investor Josh Kushner moved to buy Walter’s majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers at a $12.5 billion valuation. The two confirmed the deal in mid-August, with a joint statement responding to their new role overseeing the franchise. The Buss family, which had held a minority share, then invoked a right to sell its remaining 17.8% stake at the same price. Five of Jerry Buss’s children reportedly approved that sale; Jeanie Buss, the team’s governor, did not cast a vote. Her attorney says the sale is legally void because of a 2017 court order meant to keep Jeanie as controlling owner. If it closes, Iger and Kushner would fully own the Lakers, and Jeanie would lose her governorship.