How Much Of The Lakers Does The Buss Family Own

So, you're sitting there, maybe sipping something cold, wondering: just how much of the Lakers do the Buss family actually own? It’s a fair question. With all the drama, the wins, and the occasional front-office chaos, you’d think the whole family might be squabbling over the popcorn machine. Let’s cut through the noise, shall we?

The Big Number: It’s Not 100%

Here’s the headline: The Buss family controls a controlling interest, but they don’t own the entire purple-and-gold pie. Think of it like a giant, delicious pizza. The Buss family holds the biggest slice—roughly 66% of the team.

That magic number is the result of the late, great Dr. Jerry Buss. He bought the team for a mere $67 million back in 1979. A steal! That slice has been passed down to his six kids.

Who’s Holding the Remote?

But wait—ownership isn’t just about who has the most stock. It’s about control. And here’s where it gets juicy. The family set up a trust that gives Jeanie Buss, the team’s governor and face of the franchise, the ultimate say. She holds a special voting trust.

Think of it like a family TV remote. Jeanie doesn’t own the TV, but she does decide what you’re watching. She’s the boss, and don’t you forget it.

The Other Owners: The Silent Guests

Now, about that leftover 34% of the pizza. Who’s eating it? That piece belongs to a mix of minority investors. Some are Hollywood big shots, like Magic Johnson (who owns a tiny slice) and even the late Kobe Bryant had a small stake at one point.

There’s also a chunk owned by Philip Anschutz, the billionaire behind AEG, who owns the Staples Center. And, whisper it, there’s a guy named Patrick Soon-Shiong, a biotech billionaire—he bought a reported 4.5% stake in 2010. He’s the quiet uncle at the family reunion.

The Buss Kids: No Longer Fighting Over Crayons

Dr. Buss had six children: Jeanie, Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey, and Jesse. Each kid got an equal share of the Buss family trust—which owns that 66% chunk. So, roughly 11% per kid. But here’s the twist: Jim Buss, the former VP of basketball ops, was pushed out after some rocky years. He still owns his slice.

End Of An Era, Buss Drops Ownership Of the Los Angeles Lakers

He’s just not allowed to touch the basketball decisions anymore. Imagine owning a car but not being allowed to drive it. Ouch. But hey, he’s still collecting checks. Not a bad deal, right?

The Drama Factor: Who’s Grumbling?

For a while, there was real tension. Jeanie runs the show. Jim wanted to run the basketball side. But after some messy purges (RIP, Mike D’Antoni era), Jeanie won. She set up a new leadership team with Rob Pelinka and Kurt Rambis.

Now? It’s peaceful. Mostly. You’ll hear rumors of sibling rivalries, but honestly? They’re all millionaires. They’re probably fighting over who gets the better parking spot at the arena. The good kind of first-world problem.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

The Buss family is the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. They hold the keys to the kingdom. They decide the name on the jersey, the price of hot dogs, and whether LeBron gets a statue or a golden throne.

But they’re not alone. There are a few deep-pocketed, silent partners in the background. They write checks, they smile at games, and they never, ever sit next to Jack Nicholson. That seat is sacred.

End of an Era: Buss Family Sells Lakers for Record $10 Billion - YouTube

What About the Future?

Here’s the real question: Will the family stay in control forever? The team is worth a gazillion dollars—estimated at over $6 billion as of 2024. That’s a lot of zeroes. If one of the kids decides to sell, the rest of the family gets first dibs.

For now, Jeanie says she’s not selling. Not now, not ever. She’s too busy polishing those championship banners. And honestly? As long as the Lakers keep winning, nobody’s complaining about who owns the team.

Fun Fact: You Can’t Buy In (Sorry!)

Want a tiny piece of the Lakers? Tough luck. They’re not publicly traded. You can’t buy shares on the stock market like Apple or your favorite sneaker brand. The only way to own a piece is to be a billionaire with serious connections.

Or you could marry into the Buss family. But good luck with that. They’re a tight-knit bunch. And they’re all probably reading this article. Hi, Jeanie!

The Final Sip of Coffee

So, next time you’re watching a Lakers game, remember: the Buss family owns the vast majority of the team. They run the show, they take the credit, and they definitely pay the best accountants on the planet. The other owners? They’re just happy to sit courtside and eat free popcorn.

And you? You’re stuck with the $15 hot dogs. But hey, at least the team is in good hands. Mostly. Wink.