Things have turned chaotic behind the scenes for the Los Angeles Lakers in a short time. The controversy began when ESPN’s Shams Charania initially reported the Buss Family had unanimously agreed to sell their remaining 17.8% stake in the franchise to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, bringing their total ownership to almost 83%.
However, Jeanie Buss’s lawyer responded to that report sharply, accusing Joey and Jesse Buss of leaking ‘defamatory and pernicious information’ about Jeanie to the ESPN analyst.
Now, the rest of the Buss siblings have issued a stellar statement, claiming they remain united in their decision to sell the franchise.
NBA Fans React As Jeanie Buss Fights Siblings To Keep Hold of the Lakers
On the one hand, Jeanie Buss is seemingly attempting to hold on to the franchise her father bought way back in 1979 for $67.5 million.
On the other hand, five of the six Buss siblings unanimously support the sale, claiming it is best for the franchise.
“Our focus has always been on what we believe is best for the Lakers, the fans who have supported this franchise for generations and the greater Los Angeles community.”
Still, plenty of fans fully support Jeanie’s attempt to keep hold of the Lakers. One user believed Jeanie played her cards terribly in the ordeal:
“Typical family break up, One doesnt give up their families assets. Others just want to money so they can go to monaco and do nothing Im team Jeanie but boy did she play her cards terribly.”
The Lakers have won 11 NBA championships since Jerry Buss launched the Showtime era by drafting Magic Johnson back in 1979. One user stated that Jeanie should simply buy out her siblings:
“Jeanie is the only that’s actually been involved the team. I feel like Jeanie should buy her ungrateful family out and keep her dad’s legacy going, since the rest wanna sellout. Jerry went all in on Lakers, Jeanie it’s your turn.”
One X user could not help but rue the potential end of the Buss era:
“This feels like the end of an era for the Buss family and the Lakers.”
At the same time,another observer claimed: “This has the makings of a Succession reboot”
One user, however, suggested that the drama will not end anytime soon. “This is not getting resolved anytime soon.”
One fan, meanwhile, could not help but bring in LeBron James:
“Wait! I thought LeBron was the source of Laker drama. Look at them now. the moment he departed, they went right back to messy family drama (expletive) they were before him.”
Of course, when Mark Walter initially acquired his stake in the team, he reportedly agreed that Buss would continue serving as the Lakers’ controlling owner through 2030.
While Bob Iger recently said he intends to honor the existing agreement, things can quickly change. For now, it remains to be seen if Jeanie Buss ends up finding a way to keep the Lakers, even if her entire family stands firm.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.