The impending change in who runs the show for the Los Angeles Lakers has provided a needed glimmer of hope for a franchise who has not enjoyed the standard of winning they have grown accustomed to in recent years. Mark Walter taking over from Jeanie Buss could solve that.
Tim Bontemps offered a much-needed retrospective on what the Buss era in Los Angeles has brought, by comparison to the grand scheme of Lakers history. His comments reminded everyone listening just how hard the franchise has fallen, relative to their expectations.
Bontemps said, "From 1949 to 2013, ... they missed the playoffs five times. In the last 12 years, they missed the playoffs seven times. That's the Jeanie Buss ownership. If you're Luka [Doncic] and you're betting on the future with Mark Walter, that's understandable."
The ESPN analyst referenced Walter's incredible work with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a strong reference for his ownership credentials. The Lakers and their fans would be positioned well if the influence of the new man owner grows quickly around the franchise.
Mark Walter's takeover is key to successful Luka Doncic era
The initial impact of the Walter takeover is not expected to be groundbreaking. The rumors and reports have suggested Buss will remain the governor of the Lakers for at least three to five years. This would still give her a lot of sway over what happens in Los Angeles in the immediate future.
Buss sticking around would also mean Rob Pelinka would likely continue to be right there with her. Dave McMenamin highlighted the growth and promotion for Pelinka during her ownership as a sign that the current Lakers general manager would continue to operate with comfort.
While a lot of this may seem inescapable and a doomsday scenario, if things are not going the Lakers' way, that is not necessarily the case. Things change in the NBA very quickly.
The recent shakeup for the Boston Celtics provides an excellent example. Wyc Grousbeck was expected to stay on as governor even after Bill Chisholm took over. That is no longer the case. Chisholm is now assuming that position of authority as well.
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 @ramonashelburne. Plan had been for Grousbeck to remain through 2028. Chisholm assumes governor title and the transfer will be finalized soon.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 12, 2025
Bontemps pointed out in his previously-referenced assessment how blessed the Lakers were to have LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He also used that as a tool to highlight how all the Lakers could manage with those two elite talents in recent years was play-in spots.
Los Angeles will want much more than that with Doncic steering the ship. If the situation calls for it, Walter will need to find a way to assert his control and make the changes that are necessary to rescue the Lakers.