The Los Angeles Lakers recently underwent a monumental ownership change with former Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Joshua Kushner purchasing the majority shares from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion. Despite this shift, Jeanie Buss remains the Lakers’ Governor, a position she has held since the passing of her father, Jerry Buss, in 2013. Iger publicly committed to honoring Buss's agreement to stay in this role for at least five years, emphasizing respect for her and the Buss family’s legacy. However, he also cautioned that changes could arise if needed in the future.

The Lakers’ star player, Luka Dončić, has expressed optimistic support for the new ownership, reaffirming his dedication to winning a championship in Los Angeles. Buss echoed Dončić’s sentiments on social media, signaling her backing of the transition. The NBA still must approve the sale at the upcoming Board of Governors meeting, where Buss will represent the team. Her continued presence is viewed as essential to ensuring a smooth handover while familiarizing Iger and Kushner with the league’s framework and operations.

Since the Buss family sold the team to Walter in 2025 for $10 billion, Jeanie Buss’s authoritative role in decision-making has diminished somewhat. Walter’s ownership expanded the Lakers’ front office and business operations, with Buss serving as a key liaison but not the primary decision-maker in basketball operations. The team has balanced high spending on superstar talent with cautious budgeting for other roles, a strategy that now appears likely to continue under the new owners.

Moving forward, Buss is expected to be a vital resource as the Lakers navigate the leadership change. Her extensive NBA experience, long-standing relationships, and collaborative management style position her as a valuable advisor to Iger and Kushner. While the ultimate long-term impact of the new ownership on Buss’s influence is uncertain, initial indications point to a continuation of her role mainly focused on guiding the transition and leveraging her deep ties to both the franchise and the league.