Lakers Sale to Mark Walter Reportedly a 'Positive Development' for Luka Doncic
Mark Walter's purchase of the Los Angeles Lakers is reportedly viewed as a beneficial move as it relates to Luka Dončić's long-term future with the organization.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, a source close to Dončić called Walter buying the team from the Buss family a "positive development."
The source added: "You always want the wealthiest owners, so that speaks for itself. And his track record speaks for itself. … [Doncic] wants to win. This owner's proven that he wants to win. So this is a plus-plus."
Last week, the Lakers shocked the basketball world when it was announced that Walter had purchased the franchise from the Buss family at a $10 billion valuation, which is an all-time record for an American sports team.
As part of the purchase, the Buss family will maintain a 15 percent stake in the team "for a period of time," and Buss will stay in place as the team's governor for "at least a number of years," per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne (h/t ESPN's Shams Charania).
As surprising as the sale was, it may not have been the most unexpected thing the Lakers have pulled off this year.
That distinction likely goes to the February trade for Dončić, who arrived from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
Before the deal went down, there was no indication that Dončić was available, as he finished third in the NBA MVP voting and led the Mavs to the NBA Finals the previous year.
Even so, the Lakers were able to pair Dončić with arguably the best player of all time in LeBron James, which resulted in the Lakers being the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record.
Although L.A. fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, there is still a great deal of excitement surrounding the Lakers for next season and beyond.
Dončić is signed through next season with a player option for 2026-27, which he will almost certainly decline if he isn't signed before that decision has to be made.
As a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection and one-time NBA scoring champion, the 26-year-old star is in line to land one of the biggest contracts in NBA history.
The Mavericks clearly weren't willing to make that commitment, but there is a belief in Dončić's camp that the Lakers won't shy away from it with Walter at the helm.
