Luka Doncic Reacts to Lakers' Historic $12B Sale, Says There's 'No Limit' to Franchise's Potential

Luka Dončić expressed confidence in the Los Angeles Lakers after the team was reportedly sold for the second time in two years.

Dončić posted on social media shortly after ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported Wednesday the franchise was being sold at a $12.5 billion valuation to a group led by Bob Iger and Josh Kushner.

"I've gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise," Dončić wrote. "I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together."

Mark Walter officially acquired a majority stake in the Lakers from the Buss family last October.

Prior to that decision, the Buss family had retained ownership of the Lakers since 1979.

That sale, which was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania in June 2025, set what was then a U.S. professional sports franchise record at a valuation of $10 billion.

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss was contracted at that the time to retain her position for five years. NBA insider Marc Stein noted it was not yet clear at the time of the Lakers' latest sale whether that agreement would remain in place.

Kusher and Iger said in a statement to ESPN shared by Shelburne the new ownership group had "immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss."

"Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles," Kushner and Iger said.

Walter also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is retaining his MLB franchise, per Shelburne.

Dončić was acquired by the Lakers in February 2025, months before the Buss family began the process of selling to Walter.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has said over the past year the franchise plans to build around Dončić going forward. His role as the de facto face of the franchise was solidified when LeBron James left to join the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency this offseason.

Kushner has a stake in the Miami Heat, which he will have to sell as part of the acquisition, Shelburne reported. Iger, the former CEO of Disney, also owns the NWSL's Angel City FC.

The sale will need to be approved by the NBA's board of governors, which meets in September in New York, according to Shelburne.