The ownership story that opened in August reached its closing reel on Friday, when ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that Mark Walter and Josh Kushner had finalized all terms of the $12.5 billion Lakers sale. The news lands the morning after a 25-point lead melted at Golden State, with the 4-2 Lakers home Sunday against Toronto.
New Names Above the Title
Walter agreed on Aug. 12 to sell his controlling interest to Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO, and Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, for an American sports record $12.5 billion. The Los Angeles Times also reported that the outstanding terms are settled, and Lakers Nation reported that Kushner and Iger are shopping minority stakes. The roster they would inherit carries a $201.3 million payroll, $0.9 million over the luxury tax threshold, with Doncic at $49.8 million and Austin Reaves at $41.2 million.
The Bench Went Dark
Friday's 112-95 loss came down to one number: Lakers starters scored 88, the bench 7. Golden State's 18-0 run, from late in the third quarter to 8:02 of the fourth, turned an 80-78 game into a rout. Sandro Mamukelashvili finished at -23 in 20 minutes, Collin Sexton at -19 in 16, and Reaves gave the ball away eight times. Lakers Nation reported that JJ Redick stressed patience afterward.
Toronto at the Door
The Raptors, 3-2 after a loss, visit Sunday without Kawhi Leonard (left knee) or Nate Bittle (right foot), and ESPN noted Scottie Barnes is coming off a 41-point night. Miami follows Monday, so it's a back-to-back. Help may be close: Ziaire Williams came off the out list Saturday with a left foot injury, Nov. 1 listed as his return, after shooting 46.7 percent from three across four appearances. Adou Thiero (left knee) remains out. The open question is whether Williams' return gives Redick a second unit that can protect a lead.
Will Ziaire Williams play for the Lakers against the Raptors?
He was moved off the out list on Oct. 31 with a left foot injury, and Nov. 1 is his listed return date. His status for Sunday has not been confirmed.
Is the Lakers sale to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner finalized?
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported on Oct. 30 that Mark Walter and Josh Kushner have finalized all terms of the $12.5 billion sale. The agreement itself dates to Aug. 12, 2026.
