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Los Angeles Lakers
Aug 12, 2025 1:59 PM EDT
The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics stand as the NBA’s most iconic franchises. The Lakers, with 17 championships, have featured legends like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, while the Celtics, who recently won their 18th NBA title in 2024, have featured icons like Bill Russell and Larry Bird.
Both teams recently made headlines when they announced major ownership moves this year. In March, the Celtics agreed to a $6.1 billion sale to investor Bill Chisholm, while in June, the Lakers finalized a $10 billion deal with Guggenheim Management’s Mark Walter, who already held a minority stake in the team.
The Los Angeles Lakers logo
The Los Angeles Lakers logo — Source: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
New Update on Celtics Ownership Draws Reactions From Lakers Fans
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported a major change for the Celtics’ leadership:
“Wyc Grousbeck will no longer stay on as governor as part of the Boston Celtics’ $6.1 billion sale to Bill Chisholm, sources tell me and Ramona Shelburne. Plan had been for Grousbeck to remain through 2028. Chisholm assumes governor title and the transfer will be finalized soon.”
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This development accelerates the transition, removing Grousbeck, who led the Celtics to two championships since purchasing the team in 2002 for $360 million. Chisholm, a tech billionaire with investments in sports analytics, will oversee operations immediately, potentially influencing roster decisions amid Boston’s rebuild efforts.
The news prompted renewed speculation that a similar change could be on the horizon in Los Angeles. Lakers fans wasted no time reacting to Charania’s report on social media, expressing uncertainty about Buss’ long-term role despite a reported agreement in place to remain as the franchise’s governor for the next five years, according to Front Office Sports.
Jeanie Buss
Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss. — Source: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
“Will be interesting to see if this plays out similarly for the Lakers/Jeanie,” one fan wrote.
“Jeanie Buss go ahead and announce it because we saw Mark and Wyc both leave gracefully,” another fan added.
“Are we sure Jeanie Buss is going to stay with the Lakers? Both Cuban and Wyc are just gone after having what they thought were similar deals,” a third fan mentioned
“Jeanie Buss will not have any say in the lakers this time next year,” another fan posted.
“May this news from Jeanie Buss come as soon as possible. 🙏,” a fan hoped.
“Jeanie Buss your days are numbered,” another fan remarked.
Buss Family’s Legacy With the Lakers
The Buss family has owned the Lakers since 1979, when Jerry Buss acquired the team for $67.5 million, guiding it to 10 championships and establishing a Hollywood glamour. Jeanie Buss, assuming control in 2013, oversaw the 2020 title and navigated challenges like the post-Bryant era.
With Mark Walter’s full ownership, the Lakers could leverage his success; Walter’s Guggenheim group led the Los Angeles Dodgers to World Series wins in 2020 and 2024, investing heavily in talent like Shohei Ohtani.
About the Author
Ayomide Adeduyite
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Ayomide Adeduyite is a contributing writer for the Athlon Sports trending and breaking news team.