LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 19: Former Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma #0 shows his reaction with his team behind the Utah Jazz during third-quarter play at Staples Center on April 19, 2021. USER NOTE: Downloading or using this image implies agreement to the Getty Images License Agreement terms. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Getty
That is correct. The Los Angeles Lakers are shifting ownership once more, scarcely a year following the acquisition of the club by Mark Walter at an estimated value of $10 billion.
This Wednesday, ESPN NBA reporter Ramona Shelburne broke the news that Bob Iger and Josh Kushner have finalized an agreement to acquire the Lakers for a historic $12.5 billion, according to several insiders. This transaction is still pending a thorough review and must receive final approval from the NBA Board of Governors.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the situation is that this ownership swap is occurring a mere 14 months after Walter, the billionaire entrepreneur who also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers, bought a majority stake in the team from the Buss family under a $10 billion valuation. Prior to that deal, the Buss family had maintained control of the Lakers since Jerry Buss bought the organization back in 1979.
The news of another ownership transition for the Lakers prompted an immediate and public response from former Los Angeles standout forward Kyle Kuzma.
Kyle Kuzma Shares His Thoughts on the Lakers Deal
A matchup between the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers
Getty LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 19: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts while trailing the Utah Jazz in the third period at Staples Center on April 19, 2021. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Following the announcement, the 31-year-old Kuzma, who entered the league as a first-round selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, shared a pointed critique of the franchise on social media.
“An owner doesn’t just cash in on a premier franchise after 14 months unless things are going sideways.”
Kuzma, who celebrated a championship victory with the Lakers back in 2020, expressed confusion over why any investment group would choose to immediately unload one of the sports world’s highly valued teams so quickly after buying it.
Selected as the 27th overall pick during the 2017 draft, Kuzma’s rights were traded to the Lakers immediately after he was chosen by the Brooklyn Nets. He rapidly emerged as a vital young asset for Los Angeles, even claiming the MVP award during the decisive matchup of the Lakers’ successful 2017 Summer League championship run.
He stayed with the organization through the transition to the LeBron James era, playing a significant role in support of James and Anthony Davis during the team’s successful championship run in the 2019-20 season.
During his time with the Lakers, Kuzma participated in 276 matchups, posting average stats of 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. In 2021, he was dealt to the Washington Wizards as part of the blockbuster trade that landed Russell Westbrook in Los Angeles.
Statements on the Team’s Acquisition
Both Iger and Kushner stated they felt privileged to assume stewardship of the Lakers and expressed eager anticipation for the franchise’s next chapter.
“As devoted fans of the NBA for our entire lives, we are incredibly humbled by the chance to oversee the Los Angeles Lakers, which stands among the most celebrated sports brands globally. We hold the guidance and vision established by Jerry and Jeanie Buss in high esteem,” Kushner and Iger noted in a joint release. “Our dedication for the long haul is to build upon this legacy, remain highly competitive, and support this remarkable organization, its supporters, and the entire city of Los Angeles.”
At the same time, the team’s leading superstar, Luka Doncic, utilized social media to deliver his reaction to the announcement.
“Representing the purple and gold means the world to me, and I can’t wait to suit up again and secure a trophy for Los Angeles. Over recent seasons, I have grown accustomed to major adjustments, but I remain certain that this prestigious team has boundless opportunities,” Doncic shared via X. “I look forward to connecting with Bob and Josh so we can collaborate on establishing a winning legacy here in LA.”
Lakers icon Magic Johnson offered his thoughts on X, writing: “To all the Lakers fans out there, we are incredibly fortunate to have these two individuals taking charge. Having known Bob on a personal level for over four decades, I can say his devotion to the Lakers and the game of basketball is deep, and he is going to help bring championships back to our city.”
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This piece first appeared on HEAVY
The article Former Laker Kyle Kuzma Suggests Internal Trouble Following Unexpected Franchise Sale was first published on HEAVY.
