Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal reacted to the franchise's potential ownership change, offering a 'golf clap' for the Buss family’s financial success. While admitting it would be strange to see the team without them, Shaq highlighted the extraordinary return on investment since Jerry Buss acquired the team in 1979.
Shaquille O'Neal has reacted to the Los Angeles Lakers' ownership changes, praising the Buss family for turning Jerry Buss' original investment into one of the biggest financial successes in sports history.
Josh Kushner and Bob Iger recently agreed to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter at a record $12.5 billion valuation. The Buss family's remaining ownership stake is also at the center of a potential sale, which could completely end the family's association with the franchise.
On SportsCenter, O'Neal, who won three consecutive NBA championships with the Lakers under Jerry Buss, admitted it will feel strange if the organization moves forward without the family.
"I have great admiration for the Buss family," O'Neal said. "Learned a lot of business acumen from watching them."
"And I can remember how much Mr. Buss paid for the team. So if the rumors are true on how much they sold it for, I think it was a monumental business move."
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaq gives Buss family the 'golf clap'
Jerry Buss acquired the Lakers in 1979 as part of a $67.5 million transaction that also included the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, the Forum and other assets. The Lakers' portion of the deal was valued at just $16 million.
Under Buss ownership, the Lakers developed into one of the world's most recognizable sports franchises, with O'Neal becoming one of the defining players of that era alongside Kobe Bryant.
"It will be different not knowing that the Buss family is there with the Lakers, but I want to wish them well, want to congratulate them," O'Neal said. "Thank you for the great memories that they gave me."
"But from a business standpoint, for what they purchased it for to what they're selling it for... you get the golf clap."
O'Neal spent eight seasons with the Lakers from 1996 to 2004, winning three championships and three consecutive Finals MVP awards during Los Angeles' three-peat from 2000 through 2002.
For Shaq, the potential end of the Buss family's nearly five-decade connection with the Lakers carries an emotional element, but he also views the extraordinary growth in the franchise's value as a fitting final chapter to Jerry Buss' original investment.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.