The Los Angeles Lakers proved once again why they are one of the most iconic brands in all of sports on Wednesday when the news broke that Mark Walter would be purchasing the majority stake in the franchise from the Buss family for a record $10 billion.
The Buss family had been in control of the franchise since 1979. While Jeanie Buss will remain the team's governor moving forward, this is a changing of the guard in Los Angeles that some within the league believe will pay major dividends for the franchise and its fans.
One player who stands to benefit the most from the move is none other than Luka Doncic as, not only is he eligible to sign a lucrative extension this summer, the Slovenian star knows that Walter's backing should mean the Purple and Gold are at the forefront of not only roster building but doing all of the little things that an organization of their stature should never overlook.
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Following the news of the agreement, The Athletic released a story including quotes from league sources, which reinforces how positive a deal this is, as Walter will allow the Lakers to be as aggressive in other areas as they have been in their attempts to attract superstar talent.
The Lakers have, in the past, been more frugal when it comes to paying coaches, front-office executives, buying draft picks in the second round and other ancillary but important functions for running a world-class organization.“I’m really excited — now the Lakers will be able to spend like they should spend,” said one league source with ties to the franchise.
Luka is eligible to sign an three or four-year extension with Los Angeles this summer that will officially make him the cornerstone of the organization moving forward. Whether he re-ups with Los Angeles for three years in order to recoup some of the money lost by being traded by the Dallas Mavericks, or he goes with a four-year deal to maximize his possible commitment to the franchise, the Doncic era will have Mark Walter's hands all over it.
Doncic is the future of this franchise. He is the superstar that will take the lead from LeBron James whenever he decided to call it quits from the NBA. Keeping him happy is one of the most important things Rob Pelinka and the front office can do right now, and being able to reassure Luka that things will be even better for him under Walter's ownership is one of the easiest ways to do that.