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The real price Jerry Buss paid for LA Lakers shows incredible profit made on $10 billion sale

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 4:34 PM ET

Dr. Jerry Buss and his family turned what was a sizeable investment in 1979 into an incredible profit with the 2025 sale of the LA Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers made history this week despite not playing a second of NBA basketball. On June 18th, Jeanie Buss and her family sold the Lakers to Mark Walter for $10 billion.

This sale set a new record for the highest sale price for any sports team, shattering the $6.1 billion price tag the Boston Celtics sold for just a few months ago.

Lakers legend Magic Johnson shared his excitement over the new ownership, especially because of his own business ties with Walter as part of the LA Dodgers ownership group.

Even the Lakers’ superstars, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, are optimistic about the Lakers’ future. But perhaps no one will be happier than Jeanie and the Buss family.

46 years after their father, the late Dr. Jerry Buss, purchased the team, his children have sold the team for a massive profit, while still maintaining a significant share in the side.

Jerry Buss bought LA Lakers for $67.5 million in 1979

In 1979, Dr. Jerry Buss decided to turn his successful investments in Los Angeles real estate into a long-running venture into sports.

Buss purchased California Sports Inc. for $67.5 million in 1979.

As part of the sale, Buss acquired the Los Angeles Lakers, NHL team LA Kings, The Forum (Lakers’ home at the time, now KIA Forum), and Jack Kent’s valued property, Cooke’s Ranch.

Accounting for inflation in today’s economy, Dr. Buss spent a little under $299 million to acquire the team. Below is the breakdown of the entire transaction, along with amounts adjusted for inflation relative to today’s economy:

If we take his initial amount and adjust it to the inflation curve, after 46 years of ownership, Buss’ family turned a profit of $9.7 billion, selling the team for 33.4 times what their father initially invested.

FYI – In 1979, three years before I joined the organization, Jerry Buss acquired California Sports, Inc. for $67.5M, a deal that included the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, The Forum, and Jack Kent Cooke’s ranch. Here’s the breakdown: ️ The Forum: $33.5M Los Angeles…
— Blain Skinner (@BlainSkinner) June 19, 2025

New Lakers ownership must prioritize success

For all the bluster and bravado that comes with a big sale, Lakers fans will only be concerned with one thing: the impact on success.

The Lakers are one of the most historic franchises in NBA history, having won 17 championships. The team demands success and a carousel of superstars.

The biggest priority for Mark Walter as the owner will be impressing Luka Doncic. It appears he is off to a good start, as Doncic seemingly confirmed his commitment to the Lakers on social media.

Walter must stress to Lakers president Rob Pelinka the importance of building the Lakers around Doncic. While some fans may be worried, Walter’s track record backs his case.

Walter’s stint as an MLB franchise owner has been quite successful. While the Dodgers were successful prior to Walter’s purchase, he has invested money and resources to improve the team.

The Lakers have a brutal reputation concerning investment and infrastructure. With his history as an owner, Walter is the perfect man to steady the ship.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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