Bob Iger Joins Lakers Ownership After Past Criticism

The Los Angeles Lakers have recently been sold for an astonishing $12.5 billion to a new ownership group that includes Bob Iger, the former CEO of Disney, who previously admitted to not being able to root for the team.

This is quite a twist for Iger, who has been a long-time supporter of the Clippers, especially considering he spent many years cheering courtside for them. The news of the Lakers’ sale created quite a buzz, and it quickly reminded fans of Iger’s earlier comments about why he found it difficult to support the Lakers.

In a January 2021 appearance on the podcast “The Old Man and the Three,” hosted by current Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Iger shared insights into his preference for the Clippers. He mentioned, “I couldn’t root for the Lakers easily. It just wasn’t in my DNA.” Iger, having grown up as a New York Knicks fan, found it hard to cheer for the Lakers, and as a practical choice, he opted for the Clippers—primarily because the tickets were more affordable.

Iger explained that he simply found the Clippers’ seats to be “a lot cheaper than the Lakers,” which is a relatable point for many sports fans trying to enjoy games without breaking the bank.

Now, with Iger a part of the Lakers’ ownership, it feels like a unique turnaround. In an intriguing twist, billionaire Mark Walter, who initially acquired a controlling interest in the franchise in June 2025 for about $10 billion, sold the Lakers only 14 months later at the higher valuation. This quick sale raises questions, especially as Walter’s business dealings are reportedly under federal scrutiny, although there’s no clear evidence suggesting that this prompted the sale.

For Iger, who previously claimed that supporting the Lakers wasn’t in his nature, this new role as part-owner marks a significant shift in his basketball journey.