Jeanie Buss to remain Lakers governor after $12.5 billion sale

The Lakers are changing owners again. Jeanie Buss, however, isn’t going anywhere.

Incoming owners Bob Iger and Josh Kushner intend to keep Buss in her role as team governor following their $12.5 billion purchase of the franchise from Mark Walter, Iger told Khobi Price of the California Post.

The arrangement dates back to Walter’s purchase of the Lakers from the Buss family just over a year ago. As part of that $10 billion transaction, Buss was to remain governor for at least five years.

Iger has no intention of changing that.

“We have enormous respect and appreciation for Jeanie, her father and what they’ve contributed to this franchise,” Iger said. “We have every intention to honor the agreement that was made between Mark and Jeanie.”

Iger and Kushner’s stunning purchase came together in just three business days after they learned Walter might be willing to sell. The two had previously been exploring ownership of a potential NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas.

Iger said he has already spoken with Buss and coach JJ Redick since the agreement was reached, though he has yet to connect with star guard Luka Doncic.

As for what comes next, Iger isn’t offering any sweeping promises yet. He said he and Kushner haven’t developed concrete plans for the franchise, understandable given that they went from potential expansion owners to buying one of basketball’s most famous teams in roughly 72 hours.