Photo via Yahoo Sports

Maybe Bob Iger and Josh Kushner didn’t overpay for the Lakers after all?

The Los Angeles Lakers' recent ownership transition may have been a shrewd investment after all. Just one year after Mark Walter acquired a majority stake for $10 billion, the team was sold to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner for $12.5 billion—a valuation that now aligns with the latest Sportico rankings.

The Lakers sit at $12.5 billion, trailing only the Golden State Warriors ($14.5 billion) and New York Knicks ($12.8 billion), marking the first time three NBA franchises have surpassed the $10 billion threshold. Beyond the Lakers, the entire league’s valuations have surged, with the top 10 teams each rising by at least 20% year-over-year, reflecting broader financial growth in the NBA.

Meanwhile, minority owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, who holds a 4% stake, remains unconvinced, arguing the team is still undervalued. Iger and Kushner, however, have set ambitious targets, claiming the Lakers could reach $30 billion within a decade if TV and streaming rights double in value—a projection tied to the NBA’s evolving media landscape, including potential local subscription models and expanded broadcast partnerships.

Up nextNBA· 3h ago

Kawhi Leonard available for matchup with Knicks, says coach Darko Rajaković