Mark Walter’s recent $12.5 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to a group led by Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger continues despite internal disputes within the Buss family. The family trust owns 17.8% of the Lakers, and reports surfaced Monday that the Buss relatives intended to sell this remaining stake. However, Jeanie Buss, the team’s governor, quickly contested this claim, with her legal team arguing that the siblings cannot force a sale of the family’s stake without unanimous consent from the co-trustees, which includes Jeanie herself.

This legal contention centers around a 2017 court order requiring approval by the co-trustees—Jeanie, Janie, and Joey Buss—for any sale of the family’s stake, as well as maintaining at least a 15% ownership share to preserve Jeanie’s status as the controlling owner. While the other siblings believe a simple majority vote suffices under “tag-along” rights designed to protect minority investors, Jeanie’s attorney insists the court order supersedes this, making the situation more complex. Despite these family differences, sources indicate the ongoing dispute does not affect the Lakers sale transaction with Kushner and Iger.

The controversy also highlights differing interpretations of Jeanie Buss’s official role. Although the family court order refers to Jeanie as the “controlling owner,” legal experts note that after Walter’s acquisition of majority control last year, she holds the title of governor rather than controlling owner, as the NBA defines team governors as franchise representatives with a minimum 15% stake. Jeanie Buss was expected to maintain day-to-day operational oversight under the structure of Walter’s ownership, but the evolving ownership situation is casting uncertainty over her future involvement.

Amid this backdrop, Mark Walter proceeds with the Lakers sale less than a year after acquiring the team, all while his broader business empire faces federal investigations. The timeline for finalizing the deal with Kushner and Iger remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Jeanie Buss reportedly may be willing to retain at least a 15% stake to preserve her position as governor, but questions linger around how she can hold this role without majority ownership. Representatives from all parties involved have declined to comment on the developments.