Lakers Drama: Jeanie Buss claims siblings used ‘cloak and dagger’ campaign to force sale
A family battle over millions erupts as Jeanie Buss accuses her siblings of plotting behind her back
Jeanie Buss has intensified her legal battle with her five siblings, accusing them of using secretive tactics and media leaks to pressure her into accepting the sale of the family's remaining stake in the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a court filing submitted Wednesday, the Lakers governor described her siblings' actions as a “cloak and dagger” campaign, arguing that their behaviour was intended to undermine her position and damage her reputation.
She’s now asking a California judge to block the proposed sale altogether.
The dispute involves Jesse, Joey, Janie, Jim and Johnny Buss , who support selling the family's remaining 17.8 percent interest in the NBA franchise to the ownership group led by former Disney chief executive Bob Iger and investor Joshua Kushner . The proposed transaction values the Lakers at $12.5 billion.
Each of the six Buss siblings could receive approximately $371 million from the sale. However, Jeanie argues that her siblings' decision conflicts with a 2017 court order requiring the family to maintain at least a 15 percent ownership interest in the team, which she says protects her position as Lakers governor.
Her legal representatives also accused the siblings of sharing voting decisions with ESPN rather than discussing their intentions with Jeanie , who has responsibilities within the family trust.
A family feud with millions at stake
Jeanie's latest filing wants Joey and Janie removed as co-trustees, accusing them of breaching their fiduciary duties. She has also asked the court to hold them in contempt and find Jesse, Jim and Johnny responsible for allegedly helping violate the earlier order.
Additionally, she wants reimbursement of her legal expenses.
Her siblings have rejected the allegations, arguing that the trust gives beneficiaries the right to participate in the sale. In an earlier court response, their lawyers accused Jeanie of prioritizing her desire to remain in charge over the financial interests of the family.
The disagreement dates back to the succession following the 2013 death of their father, longtime Lakers owner Jerry Buss. Jeanie's lawyers argue that he specifically selected her to lead the franchise, suggesting that some of her siblings have struggled to accept his decision.
The financial stakes have increased considerably since Mark Walter purchased a controlling interest in the team in 2025 at a $10 billion valuation.
Iger and Kushner subsequently agreed to acquire Walter's majority stake for $12.5 billion, reflecting the franchise's enormous commercial value.
The NBA has approved the proposed ownership arrangement, although the remaining transaction requirements must still be completed. Kushner also needs to sell his minority ownership interest in the Miami Heat before finalizing the Lakers deal.
Meanwhile, five Buss siblings continue supporting the sale of the family's remaining shares, while Jeanie insists that the trust's obligations and the 2017 court order prevent the transaction from proceeding.
A hearing is scheduled for December 8 in Los Angeles Superior Court. Settlement discussions have reportedly taken place between the two sides, although no agreement has been confirmed.
