Los Angeles Lakers fans are in open revolt after reports that the storied franchise is being sold to venture capitalist Josh Kushner — brother of President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner — and former Disney CEO Bob Iger.
The record-shattering deal, reported Wednesday, values the team at roughly $12 billion, with some outlets putting it as high as $12.5 billion, the largest sum ever for a U.S. sports franchise.
The buyers would take over from Mark Walter, who wrested control from the Buss family only last year at a $10 billion valuation. Reports tied Walter's swift exit to a federal probe into his firm, TWG Global, and to health concerns after a 2024 stroke. The sale would need NBA approval.
For many fans, Josh Kushner's involvement was a bridge too far.
Josh Kushner is the son of Charles Kushner, the developer pardoned by Trump and later tapped as ambassador to France, and the brother of Jared, whose White House dealings have drawn repeated ethics alarms. His brother is married to President Trump's daughter Ivanka.
The revelation instantly sparked backlash.
"This entire country ... is being strip mined by trump family members," Twitch streamer Scoob fumed. "this is f---ing nuts dude."
"I simply can’t believe this," Lakers fanatic known as D.O.C. bemoaned.
"This is…weird," chimed in NBA commentator Bomani Jones.
Others tied the sale to LeBron James's decision to bolt to Philadelphia. "Maybe that's why LeBron wanted to get the f--- out," another critic jabbed.
Iger, a longtime NBA enthusiast, and Kushner had reportedly explored launching a Las Vegas expansion team before pivoting to the Lakers. The pair said they were honored to become stewards of one of the most iconic franchises in sports.
