Five members of the Buss family have formally challenged Jeanie Buss’ attempt to block the sale of the family’s trust-held shares in the Los Angeles Lakers, escalating an ongoing legal disagreement over the proposed transaction.
Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss submitted their opposition in court Wednesday after settlement discussions failed to produce a resolution. The five siblings previously voted in favor of selling the trust’s ownership stake in the franchise.
Jeanie Buss, however, has filed a petition seeking to prevent the sale from proceeding, creating a dispute among the six siblings over the future of the family’s Lakers holdings.
In a statement released following Wednesday’s filing, the five siblings rejected the legal arguments behind Jeanie’s petition.
“Jimmy, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss, the five of six siblings who voted to sell the Trust’s shares in the Lakers, today filed their formal opposition, demonstrating that Jeanie Buss’s petition is legally and factually baseless.
“While discussions among the siblings continue, their focus remains on facilitating the proposed transaction and the Trust’s participation in it, while ensuring that all beneficiaries, including Jeanie, are treated equally.
“Today’s filing is a necessary step to protect those interests and ensure the transaction proceeds on schedule.”
