Buss Sues Siblings Over Lakers Control

Jeanie Buss filed a legal motion this week asking a judge to stop her siblings from selling their share of the Los Angeles Lakers. The filing accuses Joey Buss and Jesse Buss of conspiring against her in a campaign she described as a cloak and dagger operation. She also requested that the court remove two siblings from their positions as co-trustees for breaching their fiduciary duty.

The dispute traces back to the 2013 death of Jerry Buss, who designated Jeanie as his successor. Her attorneys argued in the filing that the conflict was inevitable because the father chose his daughter over his four sons. They stated that the siblings’ desire to dismantle her role stems from their inability to accept her place in the team's future. The current legal battle is the latest chapter in a long-standing family fight over the franchise.

In 2017, Jeanie fired Jim Buss as head of basketball operations. Jim and Johnny Buss subsequently tried to remove her from the Lakers' board. The siblings eventually reached a settlement that kept Jeanie in control. Earlier this year, she argued that a 2017 court order prevents any vote to sell the remaining family shares without her consent. The current filing seeks to hold Jim, Johnny, and Jesse liable for aiding and abetting a violation of that order.

Jeanie Buss currently holds governor rights to the team. The family owns a 17.8% stake, which sits above the NBA's 15% threshold required to retain control. If the family sells all its shares, each sibling would receive an additional $371 million through go-along rights. Bob Iger and Josh Kushner are leading an ownership group interested in acquiring the shares. Iger previously told The California Post that the plan was for Jeanie to remain governor, but he acknowledged that plans could change.

Settlement talks began this week, according to ESPN. The Buss side claims the siblings shared their proposed resolutions with the media before informing Jeanie. The filing argues this tactic was designed to force her hand and smear her reputation. It requests that the siblings be held in contempt of court and reimbursed for legal costs.

A hearing is scheduled for December 8 in Los Angeles Superior Court. Both sides could receive a final ruling on the dispute during that session. The outcome will determine whether the family retains its controlling interest in the team or proceeds with a sale.