The Los Angeles Lakers’ historic $10 billion sale to billionaire Mark Walter is proceeding with the full understanding of the franchise’s most high-profile player.
According to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov and Joe Vardon, LeBron James is said to be “comfortable with the sale” despite nearing the end of his playing career at age 40. The four-time NBA champion has a $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season.
The Lakers completed the most expensive sale in professional sports history, with Walter taking over as majority owner. However, Jeanie Buss will remain in her role as governor, a condition built into the agreement.
Los Angeles finished the regular season 50–32 and claimed the Pacific Division title. However, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by Minnesota, marking consecutive early playoff exits.
In February, the Lakers made a headline-grabbing move by acquiring Luka Doncic from Dallas in a rare trade that sent Anthony Davis the other way. Doncic, 26, is eligible for a $229 million extension. He has two years left on his current contract, with a player option in 2026–27.
Despite Doncic’s massive potential future earnings and James’ current contract situation, spending on top-tier talent has not been an issue for the franchise. As noted by The Athletic, concerns have typically centered on expenditures outside of the roster.
Walter already held a minority stake in the Lakers and was granted first refusal rights years earlier. His longstanding relationship with the Buss family helped facilitate the transition smoothly.
The late Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million. Under Jeanie Buss’s leadership, the team won the 2020 NBA championship and the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023.
