Jeanie Buss will remain Lakers governor for at least 5 years after sale

Despite the recent sale of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jeanie Buss won’t immediately leave her position. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Jerry Buss’s daughter has secured her position as governor for at least five more seasons, thus avoiding an abrupt change at the helm of the legendary franchise.

Jeanie Buss’ agreement with Mark Walter and the NBA stipulates that she’ll remain the Lakers’ governor for at least the next five seasons, a team source tells @sam_amick.

But what type of team will she be overseeing next season?

Los Angeles’ moves thus far this summer reinforce… pic.twitter.com/yPSE3jgYvP

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 9, 2025

A smooth transition negotiated in the sale contract

The Lakers sale created a real earthquake in the NBA a few weeks ago. After several decades under the Buss family leadership and numerous trophies won, the Purple and Gold officially changed ownership. Mark Walter, the new owner, was logically expected to take control of the organization.

However, Jeanie Buss anticipated this transition and cleverly negotiated her continuity. « According to a franchise source, Buss’s agreement with Walter and the NBA stipulates that she will remain the team’s governor for at least the next five seasons, » reveals Sam Amick of The Athletic.

This strategy avoids a « Mark Cuban-like » scenario, referring to the abrupt changes that can occur during an ownership change. The former owner therefore included a specific clause in the sale contract to ensure a smooth transition.

Fans will have to wait for a change in leadership

This news might disappoint some Lakers supporters who were hoping for a radical change in franchise leadership. Phil Jackson’s ex-partner clearly has no intention of leaving the Crypto.com Arena anytime soon, maintaining her influence over sports and organizational decisions.

This continuity in governance will allow the Lakers to maintain stability while Mark Walter gradually adapts to his new role as owner. The next five seasons will therefore be marked by continuity, with Jeanie Buss at the helm of a franchise seeking to return to the top of the NBA.