Adam Silver could potentially step into Lakers’ Buss family dispute

The Lakers’ ownership drama may soon require a little help from the commissioner.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver could become involved in the increasingly messy dispute between Jeanie Buss and her siblings over the Buss family’s remaining ownership stake in the franchise, according to Tom Friend of Sports Business Journal.

“The Lakers’ situation isn’t as clear cut, with sources believing Commissioner Adam Silver — who has always been close with Jeanie Buss — will try to help smooth over the Buss family chaos,” Friend wrote, via SI’s Ryan Ward.

That chaos centers on the remaining 17.8 percent stake held by the Buss family.

Jeanie’s five siblings are seeking to sell their shares, while Jeanie is contesting the move and wants to retain her portion. The disagreement has become a legal battle, adding yet another layer to what has already been a remarkable period of ownership upheaval for one of the NBA’s marquee franchises.

Silver getting involved wouldn’t necessarily mean the league could simply dictate an outcome. But the commissioner serving as an intermediary could potentially help the sides find some sort of resolution before the dispute becomes even uglier.

It also comes at a fascinating time for Jeanie, whose role with the Lakers has changed dramatically amid the franchise’s ownership transitions. She has remained closely associated with the organization even as control has changed hands.