Lakers Sold to Mark Walter in Record $10 Billion Deal, Ending Buss Family’s Majority Era

The Buss family has reached an agreement to transfer majority control of the Los Angeles Lakers to businessman Mark Walter, owner of the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, at a valuation of approximately US $10 billion. This marks the most valuable sale of a U.S. professional sports franchise to date.

Sale Terms and Ownership Transition

Valuation & Price: The transaction values the Lakers at roughly $10 billion, significantly surpassing the prior record set by the Boston Celtics' $6.1 billion sale in March 2025.
Ownership Share: Before the deal, the Buss family held 66% of the team. Post-sale, they will retain a minority stake of just over 15%, satisfying NBA ownership regulations.
Jeanie Buss’ Role: Jeanie Buss, the team’s governor since her father Jerry Buss passed in 2013, will continue as governor and oversee daily operations “for at least a number of years,” backed by the new owner.

Mark Walter: The New Majority Owner

Mark Walter is the CEO and chairman of Guggenheim Partners (also referred to as TWG Global) and has held a minority share of the Lakers since acquiring a 26–27% stake in 2021. In addition to the Dodgers, he owns stakes in the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, Chelsea FC (via BlueCo), a PWHL team, and a Cadillac Formula 1 outfit.

Historic Significance

End of a 46-Year Era: This marks the first time since 1979 that the Lakers won’t be majority-owned by the Buss family. Jerry Buss acquired the franchise for $67.5 million, and under family ownership the team secured 11 NBA championships.
New Benchmark in Sports Sales: The sale sets a new U.S. sports franchise record, exceeding the Celtics’ sale earlier this year.

Next Steps and Reaction

NBA Approval: The deal remains subject to the NBA Board of Governors’ approval.
Feedback from the Lakers Community: Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who co-owns the Dodgers with Walter, endorsed the arrangement, noting Walter’s track record of success in sports ownership. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described the acquisition as “a very exciting day for the Lakers… and the city of Los Angeles”.

What It Means for the Lakers

With new ownership, the Lakers may benefit from increased willingness to invest in talent development and roster expansion, reflecting Walter’s approach with the Dodgers. Jeanie Buss’s continued leadership is expected to ensure operational continuity while allowing for fresh strategic investments.

Source attribution: Based on current coverage from ESPN, AP, BBC, The Guardian, Yahoo Sports, People/Reuters, and CBS Los Angeles.

New York Knicks Dismiss Head Coach Tom Thibodeau Following Eastern Conference Finals Exit

Facebook Screenshot Courtesy Archibong Archibong

Thibodeau, who took over the Knicks in 2020, led the team to a 226–174 regular-season record and four playoff appearances, including three consecutive series victories. In the 2024–25 season, the Knicks achieved a 51–31 record and advanced to the conference finals after defeating the Detroit Pistons and the defending champion Boston Celtics.However, they were eliminated in six games by the Indiana Pacers.

Knicks President Leon Rose stated that the decision to dismiss Thibodeau was driven by the organization's commitment to pursuing an NBA championship. The move has elicited mixed reactions from players and fans. Guard Josh Hart and actor Ben Stiller expressed gratitude for Thibodeau's contributions, acknowledging his role in revitalizing the team.

The Knicks have not yet announced a replacement for Thibodeau. Potential candidates include former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone and former Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer.

Thibodeau's tenure marked a period of renewed competitiveness for the Knicks, ending a seven-year playoff drought and achieving consecutive 50-win seasons for the first time since the 1990s.

Sources: NBA.com, USA Today, The Athletic via New York Times, ESPN, Reuters, People,

Zion Williamson Faces Civil Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault and Abuse

Image Credit: by Erik Drost, licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

New Orleans Pelicans player Zion Williamson has been named in a civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County on May 29, 2025. The suit, brought by a woman identified as Jane Doe, alleges sexual assault and multiple forms of abuse — including physical, emotional, and financial — during an alleged relationship spanning from 2018 to 2023. The complaint includes accusations of rape in 2020 and asserts that the alleged conduct occurred in several states, including California, Louisiana, Texas, and Oregon.

Williamson’s legal representatives have denied the claims, stating that the relationship was consensual and ended years ago. They described the lawsuit as financially driven and indicated that they intend to pursue a defamation counterclaim. The plaintiff is seeking damages ranging from $18 million to $50 million.

No criminal charges have been filed, and the New Orleans Pelicans have declined to comment publicly, citing the ongoing legal process.

Sources: The Guardian, New York Post, Associated Press and Times of India

Thunder Dominate Timberwolves in Game 1 of Western Conference Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened the 2025 Western Conference Finals with a commanding 114–88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. After a close first half, Oklahoma City pulled away in the second half, outscoring Minnesota 70–40.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, supported by strong performances from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. The Thunder shot 50% from the field and 52% from three-point range, while capitalizing on 17 Timberwolves turnovers for 31 points.

Minnesota, despite 28 points from Karl-Anthony Towns, struggled offensively after halftime. Anthony Edwards was limited to 18 points and faced foul trouble, while Rudy Gobert contributed only five points. The team shot just 35% overall and under 30% from long range.

Game 2 is scheduled for May 22 in Oklahoma City as Minnesota looks to even the series.

Source: NBA.com

Knicks Defeat Celtics in Game 6, Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

"New York Knicks" by https://www.flickr.com/photos/24887901@N04 i

The New York Knicks have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after a decisive win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of their playoff series. The victory secured a 4–2 series win for New York, marking their first appearance in the conference finals since 2000.

The game, held at Madison Square Garden, saw the Knicks take control early and maintain a dominant lead throughout. New York capitalized on strong defensive play and offensive consistency to outpace Boston, who struggled to match the home team’s intensity.

Following the win, large crowds of Knicks fans gathered outside Madison Square Garden, particularly along Seventh Avenue, to celebrate the team's advancement. Videos and reports showed fans chanting, waving flags, and marking the occasion with street celebrations.

The Knicks now await their opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals. The team’s postseason run continues after a strong showing in both rounds of the playoffs, building on a season marked by resilience and depth despite injuries to several key players.

Boston, considered one of the top contenders entering the postseason, exits the playoffs earlier than expected after failing to force a Game 7.

Sources: New York Post, New York Daily News

The Celtics are in town for a do or die game 6

The New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics at the famed Madison Square Garden on Friday night with a chance to close out their Eastern Conference semi-final series. Holding a 3–2 series lead, the Knicks are one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

The Celtics, facing elimination, must win to force a game 7 back in Boston. Despite entering the series as the higher seed and one of the favourites to win the NBA title, the team has struggled with consistency and key absences, including their talisman Jason Tatum, who got injured in game 4.

Game 6 adds to the historical rivalry between the two franchises and presents a high-stakes moment for both teams. A Knicks win would send them to the conference finals for the first time in 25 years, while a Celtics victory would keep their championship hopes alive.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EST.

Celtics Prepare for Crucial Game 3 Against Knicks in Eastern Semifinals

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are set to face off in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks currently lead the series 2–0 after securing victories in both games held in Boston.

In the first two games, the Celtics have struggled with shooting efficiency, particularly from three-point range. Over that span, the team has made just 25 out of 100 attempts from beyond the arc, and key players such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have underperformed compared to their regular-season averages.

The Knicks, on the other hand, have capitalized on Boston’s offensive lapses. Their defense has played a crucial role in containing the Celtics' scoring threats and maintaining momentum throughout both games.

Heading into Game 3, injury concerns remain a factor. Boston forward Sam Hauser was listed as doubtful with a right ankle sprain, while Kristaps Porziņģis, who missed earlier games due to a calf injury and illness, may be available to return.

With the series shifting to New York, the Celtics aim to recover from their early setbacks, while the Knicks look to extend their lead and move one step closer to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Sources: NBC Sports Boston, ESPN, The Athletic

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