Lakers Rumors: The Buss Family Feud is Finally Over

Lakers Rumors: After a month of back and forth legal maneuvers in an attempt to gain control of the Lakers franchise, the family feud is over with Jeanie Buss emerging as the sole controlling owner.

The family feud began earlier this month when Jeanie Buss, President of Los Angeles Lakers, removed (okay, fired) her brother Jim as President of Basketball Operations and replaced him with his nemesis and former Laker legend Magic Johnson. Lakers fans are sure to be pleased to hear these Lakers rumors coming to a close.

Three days later, Jim and brother Johnny attempted a takeover when they called a shareholders meeting, as reported by the LA Times. According to documents obtained by the Times, the brothers proposed a new $25million distribution to shareholders and a $10,000 a month disbursement for directors with a stake in the team.

The brothers also nominated four directors for the board including themselves, AEG President Dan Beckerman and investor Romie Chaudhari. Jeanie was noticeably left off the list which would have effectively removed her as controlling owner since the family trusts require the controlling owner to serve on the board of directors.

As reported by Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Jeanie and her lawyers immediately filed a temporary restraining order and a lawsuit requiring the brothers to adhere to the terms of the family trust which states that the brothers must “take whatever actions are reasonably available to have Jeanie Buss appointed as the new Controlling Owner” of the Lakers.

It worked and the restraining order was dropped and a trial date set for May 15^th. The shareholders meeting was then canceled and the matter appeared to be settled for the time being. A statement from the NBA seemed to confirm Jeanie as controlling owner.

“Jeanie Buss is the sole Governor of the Los Angeles Lakers and under league rules, she has control over the team,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said. “She has not only been a terrific leader for the Lakers organization, guiding the business before and after her father’s passing, but an incredibly influential voice among all our team owners.”

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But it wasn’t over. I’m guessing Jeanie had some trust issues with brother Jim after his ill-fated takeover attempt. On Monday, he stepped down as a co-trustee saving everyone a lengthy court battle to remove him – something Jeanie most likely would have done to secure her position. She’s not messing around.

According to Shelburne, sister Janie Buss, a close ally to Jeanie, has replaced him. Meanwhile, the other Buss siblings have reportedly signed documents that ensure Jeanie remains controlling owner for the rest of her life.

Now that it’s all over I’m not sure who is the most relieved. Jeanie – who is now controlling owner – FOR LIFE – and who can finally focus all her attention on the franchise and the rebuilding of its damaged brand? NBA Commissioner Adam Silver – who had to know that a lengthy court battle among the family members would ultimately hurt HIS brand?

The players – who can now trust that their front office will fully focus on the team and what needs to be done to rebuild? Or the fans – who just want the Lakers to start winning again!

Next: Who will LA chase in free agency?

Deep breath Laker fans. We’ve made it through a turbulent March and we are on the road to recovery. Can’t you feel it?