Who Owns Los Angeles Lakers?

The Los Angeles Lakers operate within Crypto.com Arena, which has implemented sustainability initiatives that benefit the Lakers' home games and operations.

Solar Energy: Crypto.com Arena features 1,727 solar panels on its rooftop, generating 364 kW of power through a photovoltaic system installed in 2008. This system is connected to an additional 166 kW system on the Microsoft Theater roof. Over 25 years, these combined systems are projected to eliminate over 10,000 tons of CO2.

Fuel Cells: In 2015, the arena installed a 500 kW bank of Bloom Energy fuel cells that generate electricity on-site. These fuel cells have avoided approximately 2,257,655 pounds of CO2 over their lifetime.

LED Lighting: Crypto.com Arena was the first NBA arena to feature LED lighting. A 2022 LED sports lighting system upgrade saved over 135 kilowatts of energy.

Air Quality: In September 2024, Crypto.com Arena became the first arena to install AtmosAir Solutions Green Indoor Air Purification and Monitoring Technology, using patented bi-polar ionization for continuous indoor air quality improvement.

NBA Green Program: The Lakers participate in the NBA Green program, which focuses on environmental sustainability across the league. The arena participates in the NBA Arena Sustainability Task Force established in April 2023, implementing waste reduction, energy conservation, and sustainable procurement practices.

Community Programs: The Lakers maintain community programs focused on youth basketball, education, and health in the Los Angeles area. The Lakers Youth Foundation supports charitable initiatives throughout Southern California.

The Lakers do not hold independent environmental certifications for their operations. Sustainability claims are reported through AEG's corporate sustainability programs and the NBA's league-wide Green initiatives rather than through independent third-party environmental audits specific to the Lakers.

NBA Championships: The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships, tied with the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history. Championship years include 1948, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1954 (as Minneapolis Lakers), 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, and 2020. The 2020 championship, won inside the NBA bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the franchise's most recent title.

Conference and Division Titles: The franchise has won numerous Western Conference championships and Pacific Division titles. Under Jerry Buss's ownership from 1979 to 2013, the team won 10 NBA championships and 16 conference championships, missing the playoffs only twice.

Individual Player Honors: Lakers players have accumulated numerous MVP awards, All-Star selections, and Hall of Fame inductions. The franchise has produced some of basketball's greatest players including George Mikan, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.

Historic Achievement: In 2024, the Lakers made NBA history by selecting Bronny James in the NBA Draft, forming the first father-son duo in NBA history. On October 23, 2024, LeBron and Bronny James became the first father-son pair to appear in an NBA game together.

Franchise Valuation Recognition: The Lakers' $10 billion valuation in 2025-2026 reflects the franchise's global brand power. The sale to Mark Walter at this valuation was the largest sports franchise sale in history.

Buss Family Ownership Dispute (2017): Following Jerry Buss's death in 2013, control over the team was initially split between Jeanie Buss (business operations) and Jim Buss (basketball operations). After several disappointing seasons, Jeanie fired Jim Buss in February 2017, triggering litigation over who controlled the Lakers. The dispute was resolved in Jeanie's favor in March 2017 when the Buss siblings granted her lifetime operational control over the team.

Historic Ownership Transition (2025): The Buss family's sale of majority control to Mark Walter at a $10 billion valuation in June 2025 marked the end of 46 years of family ownership. ESPN documented significant conflict among the Buss siblings that contributed to the sale decision. Jeanie Buss described the sale as "bittersweet" but stated that her father would have supported finding a new majority owner with the resources to keep the Lakers among the NBA's top spenders.

Luka Doncic Trade (2025): In February 2025, the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic. The trade was controversial because it ended the LeBron James and Anthony Davis partnership that won the 2020 championship. Some fans and analysts questioned whether building around Doncic rather than maximizing James's remaining years was the right strategy. Jeanie Buss confirmed the team is now focused on building around Doncic.

NBA Gambling Investigation (2025): In November 2025, the Lakers were among multiple NBA teams asked to hand over documents and cellphones as part of the league's investigation into illegal sports betting. The investigation followed federal charges against several NBA players and coaches, including allegations that privileged information about player injuries was shared before Lakers games in 2023 and 2024. Former Lakers assistant coach Damon Jones was among those charged in connection with the betting scheme.

LeBron James Age and Future: LeBron James, who turned 41 in December 2025, remains on the Lakers roster but the team's strategic direction has shifted toward building around Luka Doncic. Media analysis has questioned whether James's continued presence aligns with the team's long-term rebuilding timeline around Doncic.

Arena Tenancy: As tenants in Crypto.com Arena rather than owners, the Lakers must navigate complex relationships with AEG and share the venue with the Clippers, Kings, and Sparks. This creates scheduling constraints and revenue limitations compared to teams that own their arenas.