In a surprising turn of events, former Disney CEO Bob Iger has become part of the ownership group that purchased the Los Angeles Lakers for a staggering $12.5 billion. This move is particularly noteworthy given Iger’s past public statements, where he admitted that rooting for the Lakers was “not in my DNA.” The acquisition, finalized with partner Josh Kushner, marks a significant shift for Iger, who for years was a familiar face courtside, cheering on the Lakers’ crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers.
A History of Clippers Fandom
The revelation of Iger’s involvement in the Lakers’ sale prompted fans to revisit his candid remarks from January 2021. During an appearance on “The Old Man and the Three” podcast, hosted by current Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Iger delved into his peculiar relationship with Los Angeles basketball. He explained that after relocating to California in 2000, he found himself unable to embrace the Lakers as his team.
“I couldn’t root for the Lakers very easily,” Iger shared with Redick. “It just was not in my DNA.” His allegiance, he elaborated, was rooted in his childhood as a New York Knicks fan. This long-standing loyalty made supporting the Lakers a non-starter. Consequently, Iger gravitated towards the Clippers to satisfy his basketball cravings in Los Angeles.
More Than Just Fandom: The Ticket Price Factor
Beyond his Knicks-era loyalties, Iger cited a more pragmatic reason for his initial choice of the Clippers: affordability. He explicitly told Redick that the seats for Clippers games were “a lot cheaper than the Lakers.” This detail adds a layer of irony to the current situation, where Iger, who once opted for the less expensive ticket, is now a part-owner of the NBA’s most valuable franchise at a record-breaking valuation.
The Business of Basketball: A Rapid Resale
The timing of the Lakers’ sale and subsequent ownership change has also drawn attention. Billionaire Mark Walter initially agreed to acquire the controlling stake in the team from the Buss family in June 2025, with the valuation then set at approximately $10 billion. Remarkably, just 14 months later, Walter is now selling the franchise for $12.5 billion, representing a substantial profit in a relatively short period.
This swift turnaround occurs amidst reports of federal scrutiny surrounding Walter’s extensive business empire, particularly concerning billions of dollars in private-credit investments. While there is no direct evidence linking the investigation to the sale or suggesting Walter was under pressure to divest, the timing of unloading the Lakers so soon after their acquisition has certainly sparked discussion and raised eyebrows within financial and sports circles.
An Unlikely Owner
For Bob Iger, the acquisition of a stake in the Lakers represents a fascinating chapter. Possessing the considerable financial resources to participate in such a high-profile deal, his journey from a self-proclaimed non-Laker fan to a part-owner is a narrative twist few could have predicted. His past comments, now juxtaposed with his current role, highlight the unpredictable nature of both sports fandom and high-stakes business ventures.
The deal underscores the immense financial power at play in professional sports, where franchises are treated as significant assets capable of rapid appreciation. As Iger steps into this new role, the basketball world will undoubtedly watch with interest to see how this former rival fan integrates into the Lakers’ ownership landscape, a situation that defies his own past declarations about team loyalty.
