Mark Walter is selling the Lakers, but the organizational structure he borrowed from the Dodgers is not disappearing yet.
Mark Walter’s brief run as controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers is nearing an end, but the Dodgers-inspired changes he introduced could remain part of the franchise’s operation.
Walter agreed to sell the Lakers to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner in a record $12.5 billion transaction. The deal arrived less than a year after the NBA approved Walter’s purchase of the franchise at a $10 billion valuation.
Although another ownership transition is underway, L.A. is not expected to abandon its current direction while the sale awaits league approval.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne explained during an appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” that Walter had already started implementing ideas from the Dodgers’ successful organizational model.
“They were in the process of ‘Dodgerizing’ the Lakers,” Shelburne said. “All of the brains and all of the apparatus that had been installed with the Dodgers to make them the most successful franchise in baseball the last few years was being implemented with the Lakers.”
Nov 5, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers majority ownerMarkWalterduring recognition for the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series victory at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesChanges remain in place
Walter’s group brought several Dodgers executives into roles connected to the Lakers. Lon Rosen became the franchise’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, while Brandon Gomes and Andrew Friedman were reportedly expected to provide input as advisers.
The approach represented an effort to give the Lakers a larger and more modern infrastructure. The Dodgers have developed a reputation for combining aggressive spending with scouting, analytics and player development.
According to Shelburne, those already hired will continue working through the transition.
May 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coachJJRedickwatches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images“Until this goes through, that’s still going on,” Shelburne said. “Everyone who’s been hired, everyone who’s been put in place here, they’re still going to keep doing what they’re doing.”
That stability matters for a franchise already dealing with significant change. The Lakers have reshaped their roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves while adding 11 new faces during the offseason.
New owners will decide direction
The larger question is whether Iger and Kushner will preserve Walter’s organizational blueprint after assuming control.
Iger has said it is premature to discuss specific plans because the incoming ownership group has not made those decisions. The group could retain the current executives, adjust their responsibilities or create an entirely different structure.
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coachJJRedickreacts against the Houston Rockets in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThere also could be a pause on additional major hires until the sale becomes official. New owners typically want an opportunity to evaluate the organization before approving long-term additions.
However, immediately dismantling Walter’s approach would be unnecessary if the system produces positive results. The Dodgers’ mindset emphasizes collaboration and provides the Lakers with resources beyond the traditional structure of an NBA front office.
Walter’s sale will separate the Lakers and Dodgers at the ownership level, but his influence may outlast his tenure. Iger and Kushner will have the final say, though the foundation for a more expansive Lakers operation has already been established.
