New Owners of the Lakers: A Friendship Rooted in Family

The connection between new Los Angeles Lakers owners, Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, isn’t simply about finances or investment strategies. Surprisingly, it all started with their wives.

According to a report from the Seattle Times, the friendship blossomed due to the relationship between Iger’s wife, Willow Bay, and Kushner’s wife, Karlie Kloss. The two met a few years ago, which eventually led to Iger and Kushner crossing paths.

Back in 2018, Kloss sought advice from Bay regarding her future role with Estée Lauder. She was preparing to become a brand ambassador and wanted Bay’s insights, given her prior experience in the cosmetics industry.

Following this introduction, Kloss asked Iger, who was then CEO of Disney, if he could engage with Kushner, who had a keen business mindset. “I think she believed my experience could benefit him,” Iger remarked.

After their first meeting, Iger quickly found himself drawn to Kushner, describing him as someone who was “humble, very intelligent, and easy to talk to.” Iger could see right away that Kushner offered a wealth of unique insights.

From that initial encounter, the duo transitioned from mere acquaintances to friends, eventually teaming up as business partners and now as owners of the Lakers.

The deal to purchase the prestigious NBA team from Mark Walter was initiated last Friday, culminating in the acquisition for a remarkable $12.5 billion announced on Wednesday.

In a joint statement, Iger and Kushner expressed their excitement, stating, “As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored by the opportunity to serve as stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world.”