Magic Speaks Out: Why He Believes Mark Walter Is the Perfect Heir to the Lakers — And What It Means for the Future of the Franchise
In a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA landscape, the Buss family, longtime owners of the Los Angeles Lakers, officially agreed to sell their majority stake in the franchise to billionaire Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global and principal owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
While the sale marks the end of a decades-long era for one of the league’s most iconic franchises, it’s the passionate reaction from Magic Johnson — Lakers legend and former team executive — that has given fans new reason to believe the purple and gold are still in trusted hands.
“Laker fans should be ecstatic,” Magic wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Mark Walter is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. He’ll put in the resources needed to win!”
🔁 From Buss to Walter: A Legacy in Transition
The Buss family’s reign over the Lakers began in 1979 with the late Dr. Jerry Buss, whose leadership and basketball vision turned the franchise into a global powerhouse. Jeanie Buss, his daughter, carried that legacy into the modern era, overseeing the 2020 NBA Championship in the Orlando Bubble.
But with mounting pressure, inconsistent seasons, and the ever-changing economics of NBA ownership, Jeanie made what she called “the hardest, but most logical decision.”
And in Magic’s eyes, she made the right one.
“Jeanie and Mark are cut from the same cloth,” Johnson said. “They’re competitive, brilliant, generous, and deeply committed to Los Angeles. She found someone she trusts to carry the torch — and she did it for the fans.”
🏆 Mark Walter: More Than Just a Billionaire
Mark Walter is not a stranger to winning. As principal owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he helped build one of the most consistent and dominant franchises in baseball over the last decade. Under his ownership, the Dodgers have won 11 NL West division titles and 2 World Series championships since 2012.
Now, he brings his winning philosophy, deep pockets, and executive discipline to the Lakers — a franchise with both championship pedigree and immense pressure to return to glory.
Walter’s financial group, TWG Global, manages over $330 billion in assets, and his influence extends across sports, business, and philanthropy. His acquisition of the Lakers comes with the expectation not only to win but to innovate and modernize a storied team that needs fresh vision.
🗣️ Magic’s Stamp of Approval Carries Weight
No voice resonates more with Lakers fans than Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the Hall of Famer who helped define the team’s “Showtime” era. His endorsement of Walter isn’t just symbolic — it’s strategic.
“I know Jeanie would only sell the team to someone who would honor her father’s legacy,” Magic said. “And she’s seen firsthand what Mark has done with the Dodgers. This is the right person at the right time.”
Johnson, a minority owner of the Dodgers and long-time business partner of Walter, also emphasized the behind-the-scenes leadership style that mirrors Jeanie’s.
“They both lead with heart. They don’t need the spotlight. They just care about winning and the people around them.”
🔮 What This Means for the Future of the Lakers
This ownership change opens a new chapter — and new possibilities. Will Walter be aggressive in free agency? Could we see a shake-up in the front office or a cultural refresh in the organization?
While Walter has yet to comment publicly, sources close to the situation say his plan is to empower basketball executives while bringing financial resources, data innovation, and structural consistency to the team.
Johnson concluded his statement with optimism:
“This is the beginning of something special for Lakers fans. Mark Walter will do right by the franchise, and he will win — I have no doubt.”
