Uncertain Future: Jeanie Buss’s Role with Lakers in Question Following Franchise Sale Talks

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The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, are facing a wave of uncertainty following reports of a potential ownership shift. At the center of this clouded future is Jeanie Buss, the team’s current governor and controlling owner, whose leadership tenure may be in flux over the next five years due to the looming possibility of a sale.

 

Buss, who assumed full control of the Lakers in 2017 after a highly publicized legal battle with her siblings, has overseen both triumphant and tumultuous periods for the purple and gold. Most notably, she guided the franchise to its 17th NBA championship in 2020 during the Orlando bubble. However, since then, the team has struggled with consistency, roster upheavals, and frequent front-office turnover. Now, as rumors swirl about a potential shift in ownership, questions about Buss’s long-term role are growing louder.

 

The Roots of the Rumors

 

Speculation around the Lakers’ ownership status began in early 2025 when several NBA insiders reported that portions of the Buss family trust were under review. Financial pressures, combined with differing visions for the team’s future among family members, have reportedly prompted internal discussions about selling a stake — or even the entire franchise — to outside investors.

 

While no official confirmation has been made, Jeanie Buss’s recent public statements have done little to quiet the speculation. “The Lakers have always been a family operation,” she said in a recent press conference. “But like all businesses, we have to consider what’s best for the organization and its fans.”

 

Sources close to the Lakers’ front office suggest that multiple investment groups have already expressed interest, including tech billionaires and entertainment moguls seeking entry into the elite NBA ownership circle. If a sale does proceed, it could dramatically reshape the franchise’s leadership structure — and potentially diminish or eliminate Jeanie Buss’s role.

 

Legacy Under Scrutiny

 

Jeanie Buss has long been a respected figure in NBA ownership circles. The daughter of late Lakers owner Jerry Buss, she became the first female controlling owner in NBA history to lead a team to a championship. Her commitment to preserving the Buss legacy and her loyalty to longtime team figures like Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant earned her considerable goodwill.

 

However, critics argue that her leadership has sometimes lacked direction, especially in navigating the volatile world of player relations and coaching hires. The Lakers’ reliance on aging stars, frequent coaching changes, and questionable free agency decisions have drawn sharp criticism from fans and analysts alike.

 

“Jeanie’s heart is with the Lakers, no question,” said NBA analyst Jackie MacMullan. “But in today’s hyper-competitive league, sentiment doesn’t always translate to success. There’s pressure now — not just to win, but to evolve.”

 

Possible Scenarios

 

If the franchise is indeed sold or a significant stake is handed over to investors, several scenarios could unfold regarding Jeanie Buss’s future.

 

1. Retention as Figurehead or Consultant:

Some believe Buss could retain an honorary or limited executive role, especially if the new ownership wishes to maintain continuity and public goodwill. In such a scenario, she might serve in a consulting or ambassadorial capacity, removed from day-to-day operations but still associated with the brand.

 

2. Full Exit from Operations:

Others predict a complete departure, especially if control shifts to a new ownership group with its own executive team. This could mark the end of the Buss era after over four decades of family leadership — a symbolic and emotional transition for the Lakers faithful.

 

3. Transition to Minority Owner:

A third possibility is that Buss remains involved as a minority owner with reduced power. This could allow her to maintain a financial interest and a public connection without wielding decision-making authority.

 

What’s at Stake for the Lakers

 

The Lakers are more than just a basketball team — they are a global brand, a cultural institution, and a cornerstone of Los Angeles sports. Any ownership change has the potential to impact not just roster construction but marketing, sponsorships, and fan engagement.

 

With LeBron James nearing the end of his career, Anthony Davis battling injuries, and a younger core still developing, the Lakers are already at a crossroads. Front-office clarity will be critical in navigating the post-LeBron era.

 

“Stability is everything,” said former Lakers executive Jim Stack. “If ownership is in flux, it trickles down to players, staff, and even free agent recruitment. No one wants to commit to a team that doesn’t know who’s in charge.”

 

Buss’s Silence Speaks Volumes

 

While Jeanie Buss has yet to comment directly on her future, her actions may be revealing. She has been increasingly absent from recent high-level meetings and was notably quiet during the Lakers’ 2025 free agency period. Several insiders believe she is already beginning to detach from day-to-day operations, delegating more responsibility to general manager Rob Pelinka and President of Basketball Operations Kurt Rambis.

 

Still, there remains a strong contingent within the NBA and Laker Nation that hopes she remains part of the organization. “Jeanie is the heart and soul of this franchise,” said Lakers legend Magic Johnson. “I know things are changing, but it’s hard to picture the Lakers without her.”

 

A Defining Five Years Ahead

 

The next five years could define the future of both Jeanie Buss and the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether she retains power, transitions to a lesser role, or steps away entirely, her legacy is already cemented — but it’s the next chapter that may be the most consequential.

 

As the NBA continues to grow in global popularity and valuation, ownership stakes in marquee franchises like the Lakers are increasingly sought after. For the Buss family, that means difficult decisions. For Jeanie Buss, it means a crossroads between loyalty to her father’s vision and the business realities of a modern sports empire.

 

One thing is clear: the story of the Lakers is far from over, but it may soon be written by a different hand. Whether Jeanie Buss remains part of that story — or b

ecomes a cherished chapter of its past — remains to be seen.