Lakers sale takes stunning turn as Josh Kushner’s deal hits financial roadblock
· Yahoo Sports
The NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers sale has taken a surprising turn, with reports suggesting that billionaire investor Josh Kushner is facing a significant financial hurdle in completing his proposed purchase of the franchise alongside former Disney CEO Bob Iger.
Josh Kushner is still $5-6 BILLION short on the Lakers deal and Bob Iger is only putting in "like 63 million dollars," per @BillSimmons "I think they’re using the Buss family as scapegoats for why the deal’s dragging along, but he can’t find the money." https://t.co/pY9tSIc1R4
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— NBABase (@TheNBABase) October 30, 2026
According to media personality Bill Simmons, Kushner is still approximately $5-6 billion short of the money required to finalize the deal. Simmons also claimed that Iger is contributing the “minimum” amount, reportedly around $63 million, leaving Kushner responsible for finding the remaining funds. The comments have raised fresh questions about whether the proposed $10 billion transaction can move forward as planned.
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Financial concerns raise questions over Lakers sale
Mar 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers majority owner Mark Walter and team executive Jeannie Buss in attendance at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesKushner, through his investment firm Thrive Capital, and Iger had previously explored bringing an NBA expansion franchise to Las Vegas before shifting their attention to purchasing the Lakers from Mark Walter.
Walter is selling his controlling stake in the franchise at a reported $10 billion valuation, despite having acquired his interest from the Buss family only a year earlier.
Simmons has also suggested that Kushner and Iger could be using the Buss family as “scapegoats” to explain the apparent delays surrounding the transaction.
Meanwhile, the remaining 17.8% ownership stake held by the Buss family has created additional uncertainty. Jeanie Buss’s five siblings reportedly voted in favour of selling, while Jeanie has resisted the move.
Her position is particularly significant because she risks losing her status as the team’s governor if her ownership falls below the NBA’s 15% threshold.
Reports have also indicated that Jeanie was not informed in advance of the proposed sale, allegedly learning about it just hours before ESPN broke the news on August 12. She was reportedly stunned by the development.
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Lakers focus on basketball amid ownership drama
Oct 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesDespite the uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s future ownership, the Lakers have continued to deliver strong results on the court.
Los Angeles has opened the 2026-27 NBA season with an impressive 4-1 record and will look to maintain its momentum when it visits the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
However, with billions of dollars reportedly still to be secured and disagreements surrounding the Buss family’s remaining stake, the Lakers’ ownership situation could remain a major talking point in the weeks ahead.
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