The Los Angeles Lakers’ new era under Mark Walter’s ownership offers new hope for the team moving forward.
As if the arrival of Luka Doncic was not enough, there is even more exciting news for the LA Lakers with a new takeover.
The Buss family have decided to sell the team to minority investor Mark Walter, who owns the LA Dodgers and has investments in multiple sports franchises.
Amid excitement from star players, Luka Doncic has already expressed his approval, releasing a statement offering his commitment to the project.
Walter helped turn the LA Dodgers around after his investment group bought the franchise back in 2012.
Mark Walter has already received the public seal of approval from LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson, but the pair are linked through their business connections.
It is notable who else has previously vouched for Mark Walter, with LA Dodgers head coach Dave Roberts giving the owner his very public backing after winning the World Series in 2024.
Roberts’ comments offer hope for LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who is entering his second season in charge and aims to become a long-term solution for the team.
Speaking last year, Roberts said: “I can’t say enough about Mark Walter and the entire ownership group. You’re in a big market. And they’re just as competitive as we are.
“So to give ourselves a chance every year to win a championship, that’s all we can ask for. Then it’s up to us to go out there and perform. I’m very grateful to be in this position.”
Roberts’ words bode well for JJ Redick and LA Lakers fans. This past season the team did not have the roster to win the championship.
The team’s lack of size was exposed in the playoffs, and while you could excuse this due to the move for Mark Williams that was rescinded, the problems run deeper.
The Lakers have badly managed their roster since winning the title in 2020, with Jeanie Buss admitting she broke up the team too soon.
A shrewder, smarter front office would have been able to build better around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Too many talented players have been allowed to leave, including Alex Caruso and Ivica Zubac.
Walter has proven with the LA Dodgers he has delivered a championship roster. And the coaches and players did the rest.
