The Los Angeles Lakers' ownership change may have had at least some influence on LeBron James' decision to remain with the franchise.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, a source close to James was asked whether the arrival of new owners Josh Kushner and Bob Iger could have affected James' desire to remain in Los Angeles had the sale been completed earlier.
While there wasn't a clear answer, there was a chance it could've changed his position and led to a return to the Lakers, although basketball reasons remained the biggest factor in him choosing the 76ers.
"Maybe," the source told ESPN when asked whether the sale could've helped LeBron James remain in Los Angeles.
"But that's tough to answer. Communication could have been better [with Iger and Kushner, compared to with Walter]. Just a different relationship. But the basketball piece was the most important, so maybe not from that standpoint."
Lakers entered new era after LeBron departure
James left Los Angeles last month before eventually signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, officially ending his eight-season run with the Lakers.
While Luka Doncic had already been viewed as the franchise's long-term centerpiece after arriving in February 2025, LeBron's departure officially makes Luka the new face of the franchise, with the Slovenian expected to lead the Lakers for years to come.
The Lakers have since undergone another major change, with Kushner and Iger agreeing to purchase majority ownership from Mark Walter in a historic deal valuing the franchise at $12.5 billion.