Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner have some significant choices ahead of them.
They’ve officially taken ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise with a legacy of 17 championships, purchasing the team from Mark Walter for a staggering $12.5 billion on Wednesday morning.
While their plans remain uncertain, there are a few pointers that could guide the new leaders of this beloved NBA team.
1. Build a trustworthy team of experienced advisors
Mark Walter, who successfully led the Dodgers to three World Series titles after acquiring them in 2012, had a plan for success that Iger and Kushner may not yet possess.
With Iger being a former Disney CEO and Kushner a venture capitalist, they could certainly use some expert advice. Establishing a solid rapport with Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka is crucial, especially since Pelinka recently revamped the roster with Luka Doncic. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith even suggested Iger and Kushner might look at Bob Myers, who constructed the Warriors’ dynasty, for guidance.
Ultimately, they need to identify who they can trust and lean on them to make critical decisions or to simply maintain the current direction.
2. Ensure Luka Doncic is content
Luka Doncic has had a tumultuous time lately. After being traded to the Lakers in a surprise move in February 2025, he’s had to navigate two ownership changes within his new team.
As a talented player who just finished fourth in MVP voting last season, it’s clear he deserves some stability, don’t you think?
Motivated to capture his first championship after leaving the Mavericks, Doncic had significant input regarding team changes this summer. He needs assurance that the Lakers have a solid plan to support his title ambitions, particularly as he considers his player option for the 2028-29 season.
3. Keep JJ Redick on board
Redick is quite the character—an intense player who, after a loss, reportedly watches game footage obsessively until he feels ill.
He’s well-liked by the players and recently became the first coach to lead back-to-back 50-win seasons since Phil Jackson in the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons.
Though he was hired in 2024 without prior professional coaching experience, he quickly demonstrated a sharp basketball IQ coupled with excellent communication skills—a rare and valuable combination.
4. Honor the previous leadership arrangement
Mark Walter, after acquiring the Lakers from the Bass family, assured that he would keep Jeanie Buss involved in the governance for at least five years.
It appears that commitment holds firm.
“We’re going to respect the agreement between Mark and Jeanie,” Iger remarked in a statement. “As circumstances evolve, so will our approach, but we hold her in high regard for her contributions to the organization.”
Yet, there’s an implicit suggestion there, isn’t there? Iger would do well to keep Buss involved. She’s not only a key figure in the team’s history but also played an essential role in their recent successes. She brings invaluable relationships, experience, and a fan-favored connection that should not be overlooked.
5. Consider bringing back Magic Johnson
The Lakers could use a bit of that old-school flair—they’ve only won one championship in the last 16 years.
Who better to inject some magic into the organization than Magic Johnson himself?
If they can bring him in as an advisor, he might effectively bridge the gap between past and present. After stepping down from his role as president of basketball operations in 2019 due to a challenging office culture, he and Pelinka have since reconciled.
Having won five championships with the Lakers, Johnson could guide the new leadership while also mentoring Doncic in his pursuit of greatness.
6. Invest in data and analytics
Walter previously emphasized enhancing the Lakers’ front office, particularly data and analytics capabilities, to make informed decisions during drafts and free agency.
This strategy proved successful in his baseball endeavors.
Iger and Kushner would be wise to follow a similar path.
The Lakers were already in the process of modernizing their approach, with plans for new biomechanics and recovery labs. The new ownership must ensure that the team has all necessary resources, both on and off the court, to reclaim their status as a dominant force in the league.
