Draymond Green warns the rest of the NBA that the LA Lakers are going to be different under new ownership.
The Los Angeles Lakers will never be the same again, as they look set to enter a new era. This past week, Mark Walters purchased the Lakers for $10 billion.
With this sale, the Lakers shattered the Boston Celtics’ previous $6.1 billion sale record, now becoming the most expensive team in all sports.
The Buss family sold the team for a massive profit, given the amount Dr. Jerry Buss invested in the Lakers in 1979.
But now, as Walter takes the reins, Lakers fans can rest assured that they will have more financial freedom. Walter signing Shohei Ohtani to a massive contract is proof that he values superstar players and is willing to invest at a high level.
This is going to be a fun period for the Lakers. But Draymond Green believes this spells disaster for the rest of the NBA, as the Lakers are more dangerous than ever.
Draymond Green spoke on his podcast about the recent LA Lakers sale. He noted that now, under Walter, the Lakers will spend more.
The reason the Buss family didn’t spend as much was that the Lakers were their primary source of income. That isn’t the case for Walter, who is a successful businessman outside of sports ventures.
“That makes the Lakers dangerous. The only thing ever stopping the Lakers was, take this with a grain of salt… They got way more than most, more than me, but by terms of NBA ownership standards, Jeanie Buss and the Buss family were one of the least wealthiest families as far as money goes.
“They got the big asset which they just sold, but that’s kind of the source of their income, and so when that is the source of your income, you’re going to run it a little differently, be more mindful.”
“I think getting this new ownership group… It makes the Lakers so dangerous. Not only are they one of the most recognizable franchises in the history of sports, but now they’ve got the pockets to match, and act like that.”
As the new owner of the Lakers, Walter will want to invest in the team’s resources and facilities. The Lakers have been known for being cheap, not willing to spend money when needed.
One of the big changes that needs to be made is in the front office. Lakers fans believe Rob Pelinka’s job is in danger, as Walter will want to make a big splash.
Add to that Walter’s close relationship with Magic Johnson, who Pelinka had issues with during the latter’s time as Lakers president, there is some reason to believe he is expendable.
Walter made fan service a priority in the MLB. So, it would be fair to presume that he would do the same with the Lakers.
If, in fact, Pelinka’s work is deemed unsatisfactory, he could be shown the door, as Walter looks to start fresh with the team.
