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Ivory CoastInside the Secret 72 Hour Deal That Sold the Lakers Again
A fast 72 hour deal led by Bob Iger and Josh Kushner brought another massive sale for the Lakers.
A surprise sale in Europe
Bob Iger was on a European vacation in August when he helped pull off a massive deal. Over a frantic 72 hours, Iger worked the phones from Italy alongside Josh Kushner and Lakers owner Mark Walter.
The talks resulted in a 12.5 billion dollar sale of the Lakers. Walter had previously bought the franchise from the Buss family for 10 billion dollars.
Tension inside the Buss family
The latest move came after months of family drama. Jeanie Buss had negotiated the original 10 billion dollar sale after 46 years of family ownership. Her brothers Joey and Jesse initially hesitated to vote because of a provision in Dr. Jerry Buss's family trust.
Although all six siblings eventually approved the original sale, hard feelings remained. Within two months of closing, Janie, Joey, and Jesse were fired from their franchise positions. Janie stated that she felt disrespected, like a crumpled up piece of paper thrown into the trash, adding that her father would not be happy with how things went down. Family members were also charged more for tickets and hospitality before the playoffs.
Shifts in ownership and roster
Kushner and Iger had previously pursued a Las Vegas expansion franchise. That project carried an estimated cost of up to 10 billion dollars plus another 2 billion dollars for an arena. Instead, the pair shifted focus to the Lakers.
The franchise now finds itself in transition under new ownership. On the court, the team features a reconstructed roster built around star Luka Doncic.
What it means for the next game
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, Wed, 28 Oct): Los Angeles Lakers win 52%, Portland Trail Blazers win 48%; projected score Los Angeles Lakers 118, Portland Trail Blazers 116. Our safest pick: Lakers +5.5.
Los Angeles Lakers at LA Clippers (NBA, Thu, 29 Oct): LA Clippers win 60%, Los Angeles Lakers win 40%; projected score LA Clippers 115, Los Angeles Lakers 110. Our safest pick: Lakers +12.5.
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