Jeanie Buss’ siblings respond to Lakers ownership fight: ‘We remain united’

The Buss family battle over the Lakers isn’t going away quietly.

Five of Jeanie Buss’ siblings issued a joint statement Tuesday making clear that they intend to proceed with the sale of the family’s remaining 17.8 percent stake in the franchise, despite Jeanie’s attempt to block the move.

The statement from Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss was provided to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“The Los Angeles Lakers have never been just a basketball team,” the statement read. “They have been one of the greatest privileges of our lives.

“Our focus has always been on what we believe is best for the Lakers, the fans who have supported this franchise for generations and the greater Los Angeles community.

“Johnny, Jimmy, Janie, Joey and Jesse have made the decision to sell the family’s remaining stake, and we remain united in that decision. We intend to move forward thoughtfully, respectfully and through the appropriate process.

“We have tremendous respect for Bob Iger and Josh Kushner and believe they understand what the Lakers represent to Los Angeles and our incredibly loyal fan base. We are confident they will honor everything this franchise stands for while building upon the foundation our father created.”

So, yes, the family disagreement is now very much out in the open.

The statement came after Jeanie’s attorney, Adam Streisand, challenged her siblings’ ability to force a sale of the family’s remaining shares. CNBC reported that Jeanie is opposing the move both because of the valuation and because she wants to remain Lakers governor.

Streisand has argued that a 2017 court order prevents the family trust from selling the shares without Jeanie’s consent.

That puts Jeanie on one side and her five siblings on the other, at least publicly.

The dispute follows controlling owner Mark Walter’s agreement to sell his majority stake to Iger and Kushner at a $12.5 billion franchise valuation. The other Buss siblings want to exercise their rights to sell the family’s remaining stake as part of that transaction.

And judging by Tuesday’s statement, they don’t appear interested in changing their minds.