Why the Lakers' Record $12.5 Billion Deal Raises Questions

The Los Angeles Lakers are changing hands again.

Just 14 months after Mark Walter agreed to purchase the franchise at a $10 billion valuation, Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger have reached an agreement to buy the Lakers for a record $12.5 billion.

Grant Mona and John Browner examine the timing of the stunning sale, why Walter would move on from an appreciating asset so quickly and why the franchise apparently never reached the open market. Could another group have offered more? Why did Kushner and Iger pivot from pursuing an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas to buying a franchise that nobody knew was available?

The conversation also covers the federal and SEC scrutiny surrounding Walter’s business empire, Kushner’s previous sports investments and the potential questions created by Iger’s longstanding connection to Disney, ABC and ESPN.

Grant and John also wonder why Magic Johnson apparently wasn't given an opportunity to assemble a group, compare the private sale to the Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Dončić and discuss why the NBA will face pressure to examine every part of the proposed transaction before approving it.

Finally, John explains his theory about how the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard investigation could affect the attention surrounding the Lakers’ ownership change.

This episode includes commentary and speculation based on publicly reported information. Mark Walter hasn't been charged with wrongdoing, and the proposed Lakers sale remains subject to NBA approval.

The Sporting Tribune Today airs on KIRN 670 AM in Southern California, The BET in Las Vegas and Hawaii Sports Radio Network.

Directed & Produced by: Grant Mona

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