Mark Walter’s short run atop the Lakers reportedly brought layoffs, steep ticket-price increases and an uncomfortable feeling behind the scenes.
Mark Walter’s brief tenure as controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly created an unusual atmosphere within the organization before he agreed to sell the franchise.
Walter purchased a controlling stake in the Lakers from the Buss family in 2025 at a $10 billion valuation. The transaction ended the Buss family’s 46-year run as the franchise’s controlling ownership group and was initially expected to modernize one of the NBA’s most recognizable organizations.
Mar 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los AngelesLakersmajority ownerMarkWalterand team executive Jeannie Buss in attendance at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesHowever, many of the most noticeable changes during Walter’s tenure reportedly focused on the business side rather than basketball operations.
According to The Athletic, the Lakers conducted multiple rounds of layoffs and announced significant season-ticket price increases. Some ticket packages reportedly increased by more than 40%.
“It was a weird vibe last year,” a well-placed league source told The Athletic on the condition of anonymity because of an ongoing relationship with the team.
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 ImagesBusiness decisions draw scrutiny
Walter entered with a successful background in professional sports, most notably as the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. His arrival created expectations that the Lakers would adopt some of the Dodgers’ aggressive spending and organizational practices.
Few major basketball changes took hold during his tenure, according to the report. Instead, the Lakers made several decisions designed to improve profitability.
The organization also moved its G League affiliate from its El Segundo training complex to the Coachella Valley. That decision reportedly frustrated members of the basketball operation because it separated L.A.’s developmental players and coaches from the parent club.
Feb 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic (77) walks off the court as head coachJJRedickattempts to speak with him in the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn ImagesThe timing made the changes harder to ignore. The Lakers were swept out of the second round of the 2026 playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder before LeBron James left in free agency to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
Although L.A. retooled around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, Walter’s tenure will likely be remembered more for its activity away from the court.
Another ownership change
Walter agreed to sell the Lakers to a group led by former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Thrive Capital founder Josh Kushner at a record $12.5 billion valuation only 14 months after acquiring control.
The Buss family later voted to sell its remaining 17.8% stake as part of the transaction.
But right after the announcement, it was reported hours later that Jeanie Buss would be challenging the majority stake sale via her lawyer.
Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers Head CoachJJRedickreacts during the first half against the Houston Rockets during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesThe Iger-Kushner group will inherit a franchise confronting both championship expectations and questions about its internal culture.
Walter’s tenure was too short to produce a complete basketball legacy. Still, the reported layoffs, ticket-price increases and organizational frustration offer an unflattering picture of a transitional period.
The next ownership group will be responsible for restoring stability and showing Lakers employees and fans that the franchise’s record valuation will be matched by a meaningful investment in its future.
