Legal wrangling over $12.5B Lakers sale shows how family trusts don’t guarantee a business stays in the family

The Conversation, in a piece published on Monday, says Jeanie Buss is locked in a legal battle with her five siblings over a proposed twelve point five billion dollar sale of the Los Angeles Lakers, a deal that would set a record for any sports franchise. The buyer group, which includes former Disney chief Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, is ready to purchase the team, but Jeanie says she isn’t on board, citing a trust that names her as the controlling owner. Her siblings contend that the trust’s terms and a 2025 “tag‑along” provision permit a majority‑vote sale, while a 2017 court order reaffirmed her control. The dispute will hinge on the private trust language and NBA approval, and could determine whether the Buss family retains its governor seat. The final outcome will depend on how the trust’s provisions are interpreted by the courts and the league.

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