Bob Iger, Josh Kushner Purchase Los Angeles Lakers For $12.5 Billion

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Thrive Capital founder Josh Kushner are buying the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal valued at $12.5 billion. The sale comes just 14 months after billionaire Mark Walter acquired a controlling stake from the Buss family at a $10 billion valuation. “As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers,” Iger and Kushner said in a statement. The deal is pending due diligence and NBA approval. The ownership change follows LeBron James’ departure after eight seasons — James signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in July. Iger recently stepped down from Disney in March and holds an advisory role at Thrive Capital.