Adam Silver is reportedly expected to help mediate the Buss family ownership dispute, with the NBA commissioner seen as a potentially important figure due to his close relationship with Jeanie Buss.
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The ongoing Buss family dispute surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers could soon draw intervention from NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
According to Tom Friend of Sports Business Journal, sources around the situation believe Silver is expected to become involved and attempt to smooth over the increasingly complicated ownership dispute.
Silver has maintained a close relationship with Lakers governor Jeanie Buss throughout his tenure as commissioner, which could put him in a position to serve as a mediator as the disagreement between Buss and five of her siblings continues.
Buss family divided over remaining Lakers stake
The dispute centers on the Buss family's remaining 17.8% ownership stake in the Lakers.
Five siblings – Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss – have said they are united in wanting to sell that remaining interest to incoming owners Bob Iger and Josh Kushner.
Jeanie, however, is opposing the proposed transaction and argues that her siblings do not have the authority to complete the sale without her approval.
Her legal team has pointed to a 2017 court order as part of its argument that she maintains control over the family trust and her position with the Lakers.
The issue is especially significant because NBA rules require Jeanie to maintain at least a 15% ownership interest to remain the Lakers' governor.
Selling the family's entire 17.8% stake would therefore create major questions about her future role with the franchise.
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Lakers already changing hands again
The family battle comes amid another historic Lakers ownership change.
Mark Walter recently agreed to sell his controlling interest in the franchise to Iger and Kushner at a $12.5 billion valuation, just roughly a year after Walter acquired control of the Lakers at a $10 billion valuation.
That transaction still requires approval from the NBA Board of Governors.
Iger and Kushner have publicly expressed respect for both Jerry and Jeanie Buss and indicated that they intend to build on the family's legacy with the Lakers.
Jeanie had also been expected to remain the team's governor as part of the ownership transition.
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