Lakers Fans in Shock as Jeanie Buss Finally Breaks Silence on Selling Majority Ownership and Reveals Surprising Reason Why

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic, storied franchises in all of professional sports, a name synonymous with championships, legends, and a rich legacy spanning generations. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, the basketball world was rocked this week when Jeanie Buss, controlling owner and president of the Lakers, finally broke her silence on the controversial sale of majority ownership of the team — and her explanation has left even the most loyal Lakers fans stunned.

For weeks, rumors had been swirling around the future of Lakers ownership. Whispers of a potential sale began gaining traction following the Lakers’ disappointing early playoff exit this season and growing speculation about the team’s long-term direction. But it wasn’t until Jeanie Buss herself addressed the speculation that fans were hit with the reality: after decades of her family’s stewardship, the Lakers franchise is indeed transitioning to new ownership.

Speaking during an exclusive interview aired on national television last night, Jeanie Buss delivered an emotional, heartfelt explanation behind the monumental decision to sell the majority ownership stake in the Lakers — a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA landscape.

“I know this comes as a shock to many,” Buss began, her voice filled with emotion. “The Lakers have been in our family for over four decades. My father, Dr. Jerry Buss, poured his heart, soul, and entire being into making this franchise what it is today. Trust me, this decision was not made lightly. But after careful reflection, I believe it’s time for a new chapter.”

For diehard Lakers fans, the news is both historic and unsettling. The Buss family has been synonymous with the Lakers since 1979, when Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the team and spearheaded the ‘Showtime’ era, transforming the franchise into an international phenomenon. Under the Buss family’s leadership, the Lakers won 11 NBA championships, hosted legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, and became the crown jewel of Los Angeles sports.

Jeanie Buss took the reins of the franchise following her father’s passing in 2013 and has been at the center of both triumphs and turbulence. The Lakers captured the 2020 NBA championship under her leadership, a title dedicated to the late Kobe Bryant. Yet, recent seasons have been marred by inconsistency, injuries, front-office drama, and questions surrounding the team’s long-term vision.

But for many, those struggles didn’t prepare them for the seismic revelation Jeanie delivered regarding the sale.

“It’s not about wins and losses. It’s not about basketball operations, front office disputes, or even legacy,” Buss revealed. “This decision was driven by something much more personal: peace, family unity, and honoring my father’s wishes in a way that reflects the evolution of life, not just business.”

She elaborated that growing internal divisions among shareholders, rising financial pressures, and the emotional toll of navigating ownership disputes played heavily into her final decision. According to Buss, the sale was the culmination of private, painful conversations within the Buss family, one that had reached a crossroads regarding the Lakers’ future.

“I’ve seen my family pulled apart behind the scenes,” she admitted. “We’ve battled over direction, control, and responsibility. It’s painful when your love for the Lakers clashes with your love for your family. After a lot of soul-searching, I realized preserving our family is more important than holding on to control at all costs.”

What caught many off guard was Jeanie’s admission that her late father, Dr. Jerry Buss, privately expressed concern over potential future conflicts within the family if clear, unified ownership wasn’t maintained.

“My dad warned me. He told me, ‘Jeanie, the Lakers will always be a blessing, but they can also be a burden if we let them divide us.’ Those words have echoed in my mind for years,” Buss explained. “When I looked at where we are today — family disagreements, boardroom tensions, media leaks — I knew I had to make the hardest decision of my life.”

The sale itself marks the end of an era but doesn’t completely sever the Buss family’s connection to the Lakers. Jeanie confirmed that she will retain a minority stake and remain involved in the organization in an advisory role, ensuring some continuity and honoring her father’s lasting legacy.

“I’m not disappearing,” she emphasized. “I’ll still be here to guide, support, and protect the Lakers in every way I can — but from a place of peace, not power.”

The identity of the new majority ownership group has not been officially revealed, though reports indicate it includes a consortium of investors with deep ties to entertainment, technology, and global sports markets. Buss assured fans that the new owners share a vision of maintaining the Lakers’ championship tradition and elevating the brand on a global scale.

“I’ve vetted these individuals extensively,” Buss said. “They understand what the Lakers mean to this city, to the game of basketball, and to our global fans. They’re not coming in to tear things apart; they’re here to build on what we’ve created.”

Reactions from the Lakers fan base have been mixed — ranging from disbelief and heartbreak to cautious optimism. Social media exploded with tributes to the Buss family, alongside expressions of concern about what the sale means for the team’s future. Lakers legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Pau Gasol all released statements thanking Jeanie for her leadership and expressing hope for a smooth transition.

Magic Johnson, who has maintained a close relationship with the Buss family, tweeted, “Jeanie Buss is and always will be the heart of the Lakers. Her decision shows true courage and love for family. Change is hard, but I believe in the foundation she’s built.”

For many Lakers supporters, the shock of losing family-led ownership is only softened by the knowledge that Jeanie’s motivations stem from preserving relationships and preventing further division — a reality many organizations with long family histories eventually face.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also weighed in, praising Jeanie Buss for her transparency and dedication to the league.

“Jeanie Buss has been a trailblazer in the NBA and a fierce advocate for both the Lakers and the sport of basketball,” Silver stated. “Her leadership has inspired countless fans, and her decision reflects the complexities of balancing family, business, and legacy.”

Still, uncertainty looms over what this transition will mean for the Lakers’ competitive future. With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career, roster decisions on the horizon, and passionate fans expecting excellence, the new ownership group faces immediate pressure to keep the franchise at the pinnacle of the sport.

Jeanie Buss concluded her interview with a message aimed directly at Lakers Nation.

“To every fan in Los Angeles and across the world — I love you. I understand the emotions you’re feeling, because I’m feeling them too. But know this: the Lakers will always strive for greatness. Change is hard, but sometimes change is necessary to protect what truly matters.”

As the dust settles on this unprecedented announcement, one thing remains clear: the legacy of the Los Angeles Lakers continues — not just through championships and banners, but through the difficult, human decisions made behind the scenes. And for Jeanie Buss, that legacy now includes the courage to step aside for the sake of family, peace, and a new chapter in Lakers history.