The Billion-Dollar Brawl: Inside the Infighting that Sold the Los Angeles Lakers
In a shocking turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers were sold for a staggering $10 billion. But what drove this massive sale? According to insiders, it was not just a simple business deal, but a complex web of family infighting and power struggles.A Family Legacy
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic teams in the NBA, with a legacy that spans over six decades. The team has been owned by the Buss family since 1979, when Jerry Buss purchased it for $67 million. But behind the scenes, the family's dynamics were far from harmonious.
Jeannie and Jerry: A Love-Hate Relationship
At the center of the infighting was Jeannie Buss, Jerry's wife and a key figure in the team's management. According to sources, Jeannie and Jerry had a complicated relationship, with Jeannie often feeling overshadowed by her husband's dominant personality. This tension would eventually boil over into a full-blown power struggle.
The Battle for Control
As Jerry's health began to decline, the family's dynamics became increasingly strained. Jeannie and her siblings, Johnny and Jim, clashed with their father over control of the team. The infighting was so intense that it threatened to tear the family apart.
The Sale: A Billion-Dollar Deal
In the end, it was not a single individual who bought the Lakers, but a group of investors led by billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong. The sale was finalized for a whopping $10 billion, making it one of the most expensive team sales in sports history.
The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers is a cautionary tale about the dangers of family infighting and power struggles. As the Buss family's legacy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the true value of the team lies not just in its on-court success, but in the complex web of relationships that have shaped its history.
