L.A. Times - Lakers

Why have private equity firms taken an interest in buying professional sports teams?

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The booming business of sports has attracted a flood of private equity investment and even the most notable franchises require the influx of cash to keep up in the arms race.

Where the Lakers' minority shareholders stand on sale of the team

Bill Shaikin — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:16:23 GMT

While the Buss siblings battles to sell their Lakers shares, Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong says he won't sell his stake in the team.

The Dodgers are Mark Walter's crown jewel. Can he hold on to it amid federal probe?

Steve Henson, Jenny Jarvie, Bill Shaikin, Hailey Branson-Potts — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Questions remain over whether the blowback from Mark Walter's financial difficulties will hit the Dodgers.

Jeanie Buss contests family sale of Lakers ownership stake to Bob Iger, Joshua Kushner

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:22:21 GMT

Jeanie Buss' attorney demanded her brothers retract statements the Buss family is selling its 17.8% ownership stake, citing a court ruling she is to be owner for life.

NBA, Clippers clash over progress in Kawhi Leonard salary-cap circumvention investigation

Steve Henson — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:13:31 GMT

An NBA investigation into whether the Clippers used sponsor deals to circumvent the salary cap and pay Kawhi Leonard millions has reached a key discussion stage.

What's at stake for Dodgers' owner Mark Walter as authorities probe his businesses

Laurence Darmiento — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With the Department of Justice, the SEC and state insurance regulators probing Mark Walter's businesses, the Dodgers owner has a lot on the line.

Letters to Sports: Lakers sale to Iger and Kushner is talk of L.A.

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section share their thoughts on the Lakers' sale to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, the WNBA, Dodgers and more.

Inside Lakers mega-deal: Mark Walter made a shocking decision. Bob Iger, Joshua Kushner jumped at the chance

Steve Henson — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:12:30 GMT

The lightning-quick sale of the Lakers to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner comes as Mark Walter faces federal probes into allegedly conflicted insurance loans.

Lakers again have most nationally televised games on their schedule

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:55:47 GMT

The NBA released full schedules for each team on Thursday, and only the Knicks, Spurs and 76ers have as many national TV games (34) as the Lakers.

Swanson: Bob Iger could be the Imagineer to lead the Lakers back to glory

Mirjam Swanson — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 22:54:34 GMT

The former chief executive of Disney knows as much as anyone about successfully stewarding an iconic brand.

New Lakers co-owner Joshua Kushner is a lifelong Democrat with deep interest in sports

Laurence Darmiento — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:01:09 GMT

Venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, brother of President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has tried to forge his own legacy that includes sports investments.

Lakers begin NBA Cup play at Warriors on Oct. 30

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:06:29 GMT

The in-season tournament feature six groups of five teams. The Lakers and Warriors are grouped with the Trail Blazers, Kings and Spurs.

Buying the Lakers cements Bob Iger's longtime dream of owning major sports franchises

Steve Henson, Meg James — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:10:56 GMT

Throughout his storied career as a media executive, Bob Iger has made repeated attempts to own a major sports franchise.

Sources: Mark Walter has no plans to sell Dodgers after unloading Lakers

Bill Shaikin, Maddie Lee — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:24:35 GMT

Mark Walter's stunning sale of the Lakers immediately raised questions whether he would sell other teams, but sources say he is keeping the Dodgers.

Bob Iger, Joshua Kushner to buy Lakers from Mark Walter's ownership group for $12.5 billion

Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Broderick Turner, Bill Shaikin — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:02:03 GMT

Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger were eyeing an NBA expansion team bid in Las Vegas but pivoted to buying the Lakers from Mark Walter, who bought a controlling interest in the team last year.

LeBron James set to return to L.A. on Christmas Day for Lakers-76ers matchup

Los Angeles Times staff — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:50:14 GMT

LeBron James, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers last month, will be making his return to Los Angeles on Dec. 25 when the Lakers host Philadelphia at Crypto.com Arena.

'Mutual agreement': Luka Doncic's ex-fiancée asks L.A. court to withdraw child support request

Steve Henson — Tue, 4 Aug 2026 20:42:03 GMT

Luka Doncic's ex-fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, has asked a court to dismiss her L.A. child support petition, signaling a desire to settle their custody dispute amicably.

Teen obtained UCLA jersey worn by Kareem in trade for his radio. Decades later, he's set to make a fortune

Chuck Schilken — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:23:01 GMT

A UCLA jersey worn by Lew Alcindor, now known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in the 1968 NCAA championship game is set to sell for more than $1 million at auction.

Swanson: Who cares about LeBron's move to the 76ers? Lakers have gotten better without him

Mirjam Swanson — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

LeBron James leaving the Lakers has left some fans worried about the roster, but the addition of Walker Kessler should dispel those concerns.

LeBron James chooses the Philadelphia 76ers, will sign a two-year, $8-million deal

Steve Henson — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:43:47 GMT

After almost a month of weighing his options, LeBron James announced on X that he will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers to play in his record 24th NBA season and pursue a fifth title.

Teen paid $3 for Wilt Chamberlain Lakers jacket at thrift store. It sold for almost $90,000 at auction

Chuck Schilken — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:01:00 GMT

A Portland teenager paid $3.07 at Goodwill for a Wilt Chamberlain Lakers warmup jacket that sold for nearly $90,000 at auction. It is believed the NBA legend wore the garment during the 1972 Finals.

Swanson: LeBron James is taking his time team-hunting, but why are the Warriors an option?

Mirjam Swanson — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The all-time great has every right to take his time in deciding on what NBA team to join, but if he wants to play for a contender, it's not Golden State.

Lakers release preseason schedule; opener is Oct. 5

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 23:11:21 GMT

Lakers sign Matisse Thybulle to a one-year deal as roster overhaul continues

Broderick Turner — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:39:48 GMT

Matisse Thybulle, who spent last season playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, made the NBA's all-defensive team twice over his seven-year career.

'Athlete of the century' LeBron James pays tribute to USC staff members who saved Bronny three years ago

Chuck Schilken — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:00:55 GMT

Speaking at the Time 100 Sports gala, LeBron James expresses gratitude to USC staff members who saved Bronny after 2023 cardiac arrest and encourages others to be prepared for such emergencies.

Life after LeBron: Austin Reaves embracing new role on new-look Lakers roster

Broderick Turner — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:45:51 GMT

Lakers guard Austin Reaves says he still is processing LeBron James' decision to leave the Lakers, but is happy with the offseason moves the team has made.

Lakers sign Ziaire Williams to one-year, $3-million deal to bolster their depth

Broderick Turner — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:55:22 GMT

The Lakers sign former Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams to a one-year contract in a depth-bolstering move.

Lakers' Arthur Kaluma erupts for 34 points in breakout Summer League performance

Broderick Turner — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 04:30:05 GMT

Arthur Kaluma shows his potential for the Lakers, scoring 34 points in a 91-70 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in NBA Summer League play.

Adou Thiero shows progress while leading Lakers to Vegas Summer League win over Thunder

Broderick Turner — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 04:49:25 GMT

Adou Thiero bounced back from a wrist injury, scoring 20 points during the Lakers' Las Vegas Summer League win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

Lakers land their backup center in veteran Kevon Looney

Broderick Turner — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 21:28:02 GMT

The 6-foot-9 veteran of 11 seasons helped the Golden State Warriors win three NBA championships.

Adou Thiero sidelined by wrist injury before Lakers win summer league game with Spurs

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 01:50:20 GMT

Second-year Lakers forward Adou Thiero missed the California Classic summer league finale Monday because of a right wrist injury.

Lakers lose Rui Hachimura, who signs two-year deal with the Clippers

Broderick Turner — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 16:29:57 GMT

Rui Hachimura played at a high level for the Lakers in the playoffs, averaging 17.5 points per game in 10 postseason games, the third-highest average on the team.

Fireworks! New Lakers center Walker Kessler proposed to 2025 Miss America Abbie Stockard

Steve Henson — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 16:18:29 GMT

New Lakers center Walker Kessler proposed to his girlfriend, 2025 Miss America Abbie Stockard, on a Fourth of July outing. She said yes.

Lakers' Adou Thiero hoping to learn and lead with Cameron Carr this summer

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 23:11:06 GMT

Adou Thiero is embracing a leadership role playing alongside rookie Cameron Carr for the Lakers in the NBA Summer League, but he hopes it will also be a learning experience.

Cameron Carr makes a strong first impression in Lakers' summer league opener

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Sat, 4 Jul 2026 04:55:53 GMT

In his unofficial NBA debut, Cameron Carr finishes with 19 points and five three-pointers in the Lakers' summer league loss to Golden State.

Lakers trading Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy, draft picks

Broderick Turner — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 18:24:25 GMT

The 7-foot Ayton became expendabe after the Lakers acquired 24-year-old center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz.

First-round pick Cameron Carr signs Lakers rookie contract

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 01:43:27 GMT

Ahead of his unofficial NBA debut at the California Classic, first-round draft pick Cameron Carr signs his Lakers rookie contract.

Lakers announce summer league schedule, roster

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Thu, 2 Jul 2026 05:11:52 GMT

First-round draft pick Cameron Carr and second-year forward Adou Thiero highlight the Lakers summer league roster.

Lakers get their new center. How Walker Kessler, three free agents fit with Luka Doncic

Broderick Turner, Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Wed, 1 Jul 2026 17:50:04 GMT

The Lakers reloaded a day after LeBron James left the team, trading for the young center while adding free agents Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes.

Lakers' top defender Marcus Smart agrees to deal with Rockets

Broderick Turner — Wed, 1 Jul 2026 15:28:02 GMT

Marcus Smart agreed to a two-year, $13-million deal with the Rockets on Wednesday, and it included a player option for the second season, sources told L.A. Times.

News Analysis: LeBron James won't return to the Lakers. Now what?

Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Broderick Turner — Wed, 1 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A look at who might be returning to join Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who the Lakers might target during free agency and more.

Luke Kennard leaves Lakers for two-year deal with Phoenix Suns

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Wed, 1 Jul 2026 02:54:28 GMT

Guard Luke Kennard, who was with the Lakers last season, has agreed to a two-year, $13-million deal with the Phoenix Suns.

LeBron James and Lakers share gratitude as he leaves team, look ahead to what's next

Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Broderick Turner — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:19:06 GMT

LeBron James will play for an unprecedented 24th NBA season, but the 41-year-old informed the Lakers on Tuesday that he will move on from the team.

Former Lakers Malik Beasley and Ed Davis accused of illegal gambling, wire fraud and money laundering

Steve Henson — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:05:52 GMT

Malik Beasley allegedly agreed with ex-teammate Ed Davis in advance of NBA games that Beasley would underperform, and at times overperform, so gamblers could win bets.

Who will sign with the Lakers? Updates on Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, LeBron James and more

Broderick Turner — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:58:01 GMT

Deandre Ayton is staying and Marcus Smart is poised to hit the market. Broderick Turner updates the forecast for LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and more.

Swanson: You're up, Rob Pelinka. To avoid Ned Colletti's fate, the Lakers' GM has to deliver this offseason

Mirjam Swanson — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMT

The former Dodgers general manager had it easier than Pelinka but only lasted two relatively successful seasons. Yet Pelinka must build a winner fast.

Cameron Carr on Lakers acquiring him draft night: 'It didn't feel real'

Broderick Turner — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:07:23 GMT

The 6-foot-5 guard from Baylor, whose father spent six seasons in the NBA, is trying to exceed expectations, he says during his introductory news conference.

'Super blessed': Karim López makes NBA history as first Mexican-born first-round draft pick

Steve Henson — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:44:02 GMT

Karim López joined Eduardo Nájera as a Mexican-born draft pick when the Detroit Pistons snapped him up at No. 21 and traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Lakers' Austin Reaves agrees to four-year, $185-million contract

Broderick Turner — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:55:26 GMT

He'll sign the richest contract in NBA history for an undrafted free agent when he inks the $185-million contract.

Lakers swap picks with Knicks, select wing Cameron Carr

Broderick Turner — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 03:16:53 GMT

The 6-foot-5 guard out of Baylor has a 7-foot wingspan and is the type of wing the Lakers had coveted in the draft.

Mavs' coaching move makes Dusty May and Cooper Flagg the faces of the post-Luka Doncic remake

Steve Henson — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:54:42 GMT

The move to hire Dusty May as coach caps a sweeping Dallas Mavericks reset after the wildly unpopular trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers enraged fans.

Former Laker Julius Randle traded from perennial contender Timberwolves to rebuilding Nets

Chuck Schilken — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:31:43 GMT

Veteran Julius Randle was traded from the contending Timberwolves to the rebuilding Nets in a three-team deal that also sends center Nic Claxton to Chicago.

Lakers likely to select a big man or wing in first round of NBA draft

Broderick Turner — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:05:00 GMT

The Lakers have the 25th overall draft pick Tuesday, and Kentucky center Jayden Quaintance and Texas forward Dailyn Swain are possible targets.

Why this loaded NBA draft could hinge on what the Clippers do with the No. 5 pick

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The first four picks in the 2026 NBA draft appear certain, but what the Clippers do at No. 5 with a wave of guards expected to chosen next is key to the first round.

Lakers promote Lawrence Tanter to special advisor for game presentation

Broderick Turner — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:58:17 GMT

Longtime Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter, the iconic "Voice of the Lakers," is retiring from his courtside role after 43 seasons and shifting to special advisor for game presentation.

Should Knicks superfan Spike Lee get a championship ring? These celebrities say yes

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:23:09 GMT

Spike Lee is the New York Knicks' most famous and visible fan. Stephen A. Smith and Kevin Hart are among those who think the decades-long courtside staple deserves an NBA championship ring.

Stacey King, longtime Chicago Bulls announcer and three-time NBA champion, dies at 59

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 16:54:01 GMT

Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion and beloved TV broadcaster with the Chicago Bulls, has died, the team announced Sunday. He was 59. No cause of death has been disclosed.

Luka Doncic invests in purchase of Italian basketball team with eye on NBA Europe

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:50:33 GMT

The Lakers' star is part of an investment group that buys Vanoli Cremona with intent to move the club to Rome and prepare for NBA Europe expansion.

A new board game mocks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for 'foul baiting.' He wants it destroyed

Chuck Schilken — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:47:39 GMT

A lawyer representing Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is calling for the destruction of all copies of an extremely limited-edition, Operation-style board game mocking SGA for 'foul baiting.'

'Bonkers' bribery case raises questions about why NBA star Terry Rozier would allegedly risk millions by participating

Steve Henson — Fri, 29 May 2026 18:24:56 GMT

Veteran NBA point guard Terry Rozier — who has made $162 million in salary — is accused of agreeing to a $100,000 bribe to help gamblers win prop bets.

Shaikin: For Dodgers, getting to playoffs is not good enough for Mark Walter. For Lakers?

Bill Shaikin — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The Lakers can learn a lot by watching what Mark Walter did his first couple of years after buying the team.

Lakers layoffs part of sweeping changes to business operations

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Wed, 27 May 2026 23:55:37 GMT

More than a dozen people were informed they would be losing their jobs, including those in marketing, communications and team content.

Swanson: NBA's anti-tanking draft reform might be great for Lakers but is bad for basketball

Mirjam Swanson — Wed, 27 May 2026 16:54:36 GMT

The NBA's owners are expected to meet Thursday to approve new "anti-tanking draft reform" via a "3-2-1 lottery." It's likely to be convoluted, but can it help the Lakers?

Lakers hire former Pelicans executive Rohan Ramadas amid front office expansion

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Mon, 25 May 2026 22:19:13 GMT

The Lakers made their first hire as they expand their front office this offseason, selecting Rohan Ramadas to be an assistant general manager.