Introduction

The $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers has made headlines not only for the staggering sum but also for the internal strife it has exacerbated within the Buss family. As reported by ESPN's Baxter Holmes, the dynamics among Jerry Buss's descendants have become increasingly complicated, revealing a long-standing tension that has only intensified since the passing of their father in 2013.

Family Legacy: Post-Jerry Buss Era

After the death of Jerry Buss, the majority control of the Lakers was passed down to his six children, but the absence of their father, who acted as a unifying force, has led to mounting disputes among the siblings. Jeanie Buss emerged as the governor of the team, stepping into a position her father once held. However, her leadership has been clouded by allegations of infighting and power struggles.

Power Struggles and Early Tensions

Just a week following Jerry's demise, signs of discord appeared when siblings Jim and Johnny Buss expressed a willingness to sell the franchise. This set the stage for a power struggle that culminated in Jeanie consolidating her authority over the team in 2017. Sources familiar with the situation claim that while this upheaval attempted to provide stability, it also bred a sense of unease.

A Family Divided

The true extent of the divisions within the Buss family was highlighted in 2019, when Jeanie made a shocking comment during a conversation with her brother Jesse. In a reportedly heated exchange, she told Jesse he “should’ve never been born,” a remark indicative of deeper grudges that had been harbored over the years. Those who are close to the family have spoken about how Jerry Buss was the 'glue' keeping a fractured family together, and with his passing, those fractures began to widen dramatically.

The Recent Sale and Its Fallout

Fast forward to 2024, and the stakes for the Buss family were heightened with the prospect of a sale of the team becoming increasingly real. Holistic reports indicate that while the children ultimately voted unanimously in favor of a deal to grant majority ownership to business mogul Mark Walter, dissenting voices were present. Siblings Joey and Jesse Buss expressed reservations about the sale, reflective of the overall discord within the family.

A Promising Start Turned Sour

Despite the apparent consensus on the sale, concerns lingered within the family regarding whether the transaction adhered to the family trust laid out by Jerry Buss. Rumors have circulated that some siblings may have engaged in financial maneuvers that favored personal relationships at the expense of familial unity. As these circumstances unfolded, Joey and Jesse were dismissed from their roles within the organization, leading to additional conflict. Joey served as an alternate governor and vice president of research and development, while Jesse held the position of assistant general manager. Jeanie's decision to fire them, alongside her own dismissal, deepened the turmoil.

Conclusion

Though the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers brought an enormous windfall to the Buss family, it did little to heal the rifts that have developed since Jerry Buss's passing. Instead, it has catalyzed a series of disputes, complicated relationships, and allegations of betrayal among siblings. As the family navigates the consequences of this monumental transaction, it remains to be seen how they will reconcile their differences and forge a future together in sports and family business.