Los Angeles Lakers’ Lavish Future Starts in 2025

Buss became the primary owner in 2017 after successfully contesting her siblings in a legal dispute to claim the team following the death of her father, Jerry Buss. From 2017 to 2025, the Lakers recorded a 339-296 win-loss record and won the 2020 NBA Finals during her tenure. Four mediocre seasons followed, and many fans blamed her for inactive offseasons after their championship run. 

Preparing For The CBA

Walter’s acquisition of the team has altered the franchise’s trajectory for the next decade, considering the talent they plan to acquire. Acquiring Luka Dončić was significant last season, and now they have the funding to construct the ‘Luka Lakers’. Walter has done an excellent job of building the Dodgers into an MLB powerhouse, and he’s shown no hesitation in spending millions on superstar talent. 

He signed MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani to a record-breaking $700 million contract on December 9, 2023. Unlike the MLB, the NBA is a capped sport, so the Lakers must prioritize Dončić’s contract above all else. He is expected to receive a four-year, $229 million extension, and with Walter in charge, any doubt about his contract has been eradicated. 

The New Collective Bargaining Agreement went into effect on July 1, 2023, and it will run through the 2029-30 season. This year’s cap was set at $140 million, and it will increase to $154 million during the 2025-26 season—a yearly increase of 10%. The Lakers are expected to thrive in this landscape under their new ownership.

The League’s Reaction

Many pundits believe the Lakers will surely compete for the championship now that they have the funding and the entire franchise has expressed its excitement for the future. Dončić and Magic Johnson gave their opinions on the blockbuster business deal via X.

Johnson was drafted in 1979, the year the Buss family bought the Lakers, and the legendary point guard was pleased to hear the news about the Walter family absorbing the majority of the stake. Johnson & Walter are business partners through the Dodgers, so he considered Walters a trustworthy candidate. 

Walter’s business acumen will transform the franchise over the next few years, and with NBA Free Agency kicking off today, it’s perfect timing for the Lakers as they prepare to establish a new era in L.A.

Building For The Future

Multiple quality pieces are available this summer, including those from Clint Capela, Malcolm Brogdon, and Myles Turner. Any of these three players would provide a massive boost to the frontcourt or backcourt, especially with their playoff experience. Unless the front office trades for Milwaukee Bucks Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo or another prominent name, they will only sign specialists to improve the team’s weaknesses.

Next summer’s free agency will feature multiple All-Stars, including De’Aaron Fox, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Julius Randle. It’s imperative that the front office pair Dončić with another proven star other than Austin Reaves, considering LeBron’s inevitable retirement.

Looking Over The Horizon

Acquiring $10 billion gave the Lakers a ‘blank check’ to surround Dončić with the best team possible. He has showcased an insatiable work ethic this summer and profound dedication as the new franchise cornerstone. The team showcased potential this season, finishing with a 50-32 record, so another 20-point-per-game scorer will solidify them as a top contender for the next decade.

Buss selling the franchise was unexpected, but fans couldn’t have asked for a better replacement. All signs point to a lavish resurgence in Los Angeles, similar to the ‘Showtime’ era. As an international superstar, Dončić upholds the tradition of the legendary players who came before him. Their only missing piece was the funding to bring their ideas to fruition, and now they’re literally the richest franchise in NBA history.