Copyright sportskeeda
NBA commissioner Adam Silver shared his thoughts on the Lakers' change of ownership after the league approved the legendary franchise's sale to Mark Walter. The league released a letter to announce its approval for the sale.On Thursday, NBA insider Marc Stein shared the letter on his X account. According to the letter, Purple and Gold's reigning governor, Jeanie Buss, will still hold power for at least the next five years, following the sale.Silver commented on Buss retaining power in the legendary franchise in the latter half of the press release."I am thrilled that Jeanie will remain the team’s governor and an active and engaged member of our league," He said.Earlier in the letter, the league commissioner expressed his confidence in Walter's commitment to the team and the league."Mark Walter has a long association with our leagues, having served as a minority owner of the Lakers and as the principal owner of the WNBA's Sparks for more than a decade," Silver said. "As Mark assumes his role as majority owner of the Lakers, I have no doubt that he will be a committed steward of the team and a great addition to our league given his many successful ventures in business and sports."According to Deadline, Mark Walter, who also owns a controlling stake in the LA Dodgers, finalized the NBA team's deal at a staggering $10 billion valuation.Lakers legend Magic Johnson has been an avid suppoter of Mark WalterSome Lakers fans may have doubts about Mark Walter taking over the controlling stake in their favorite team. However, Laker Nation does not need to worry as the Lakers legend, Magic Johnson, is an avid backer of the franchise's new owner.The news about Jeanie Buss looking to sell the team first surfaced in June. Details about negotiations and valuation were revealed during the entire month. On Jun. 19, Magic Johnson made a tweet in support of Walter to reassure the fans who had doubts about the sale."Laker fans should be estatic. A few things I can tell you about Mark - he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. AND he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike - they are competitive people, l have big hearts, love to give back, and both prefer to be behind the scenes. This makes all the sense in the world. I am so so SO happy and excited for @Lakers fans all over the world!!" Johnson wrote.Earvin Magic Johnson @MagicJohnsonLINKLaker fans should be estatic. A few things I can tell you about Mark - he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. AND he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike -they are competitive people, l have big hearts, love to give back, and both prefer to be behind the scenes. This makes all the sense in the world. I am so so SO happy and excited for @Lakers fans all over the world!!Mark Walter is a veteran when it comes to owning a sports franchise in LA. He is a majority owner in the city's MLB team and has also been a stakeholder in the LA Sparks. Before deciding to buy the Purple and Gold, Walter was a longtime minority stakeholder in the franchise.
