Patrick Soon-Shiong 'Absolutely' Won't Sell Lakers Share to Iger, Kushner Amid Buss Family Dispute

Amid the ongoing Buss family drama tied to the Los Angeles Lakers sale to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, another one of their minority owners has no plans to sell his stake in the franchise.

In a statement to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the attorney for Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong said he has "absolutely" no intention of selling his four percent stake in the Lakers:

"Dr. Patrick is absolutely not selling his minority share of the Lakers. Bob Iger and Josh Kushner are good friends, and we will be joining them as supportive, active and engaged partners once they close the transaction with Mr. Walter. We are extremely excited about the Lakers' future and look forward to many more championship years."

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported on Aug. 12 that Mark Walter was selling his majority share of the Lakers to Iger and Kushner at a $12.5 billion valuation.

The move came as a surprise because the ink was barely dry on Walter's purchase of the Lakers, which was approved by the NBA board of governors last October.

Things have only gotten more complicated in the time since the Iger-Kushner purchase was reported. In particular, the Buss family is at odds right now over their 17.8 percent stake in the Lakers.

Jeanie Buss, who has been governor of the franchise since 2013, is contesting the vote from her five siblings to sell their stake.

When Walter purchased the franchise last year, the deal included an agreement to keep Jeanie on as governor through at least the 2030 season.

McMenamin noted if the five other Buss siblings sell their stake in the Lakers, Jeanie would retain around a three percent share of the franchise. NBA rules require at least a 15 percent ownership stake to operate as a governor.

The Buss family has owned some portion of the Lakers since 1979 when Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the franchise, along with the Los Angeles Kings and The Forum, for $67.5 million.

Soon-Shiong bought his share of the Lakers in 2010 from Magic Johnson for an undisclosed amount, though estimates at the time suggested Johnson's stake was valued at around $30 million.

Based on the $12.5 billion valuation that Iger and Kushner are paying, Soon-Shiong's stake is worth roughly $500 million.