Jeanie Buss, the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, is expected to continue leading the franchise for “at least a number of years,” according to sources close to the organization. Her continued stewardship comes at a critical time for the Lakers, who are navigating an era of evolving expectations, aging superstars, and a rapidly changing NBA landscape.
Buss, who officially took control of the Lakers in 2017 following a legal and public power struggle with her brother Jim Buss, has overseen a rollercoaster period in the team’s history. Under her leadership, the Lakers returned to championship glory in 2020, winning their 17th NBA title in the COVID-19 bubble. That achievement, alongside her emphasis on returning to the franchise’s proud legacy and culture, helped re-establish stability after years of inconsistent performance and front-office turmoil.
In recent years, Buss has remained a central figure in team decision-making, working closely with general manager Rob Pelinka and trusted advisors such as Linda Rambis. Despite criticism at times over perceived nepotism or a tightly knit inner circle, Buss has consistently prioritized a long-term vision for the Lakers, blending the franchise’s storied past with a modern business model.
Her ongoing leadership is particularly significant considering the current stage of the team’s trajectory. With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career and Anthony Davis entering the prime of his, the Lakers are facing a pivotal crossroads. The organization must balance the urgency to contend now with the responsibility of preparing for life after their current superstars. Buss’s presence ensures continuity in ownership philosophy and decision-making during this period of strategic recalibration.
Financially, Jeanie Buss has also shown a commitment to maintaining the Lakers’ status as a marquee franchise. She has backed major investments in player salaries, facilities, and personnel, even in the face of the league’s more stringent Collective Bargaining Agreement. Her support of blockbuster moves — including the acquisition of Anthony Davis in 2019 and key midseason adjustments in recent years — reflects her willingness to take bold action to keep the Lakers competitive.
Beyond basketball operations, Buss has taken steps to elevate the Lakers’ brand globally. Under her watch, the organization has expanded its digital presence, launched multiple media ventures including “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers” on Hulu, and maintained its position as one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. Her background in entertainment and business, cultivated through decades of involvement in Lakers operations dating back to her time under her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, continues to shape her strategic vision.
Critically, Buss’s ongoing commitment offers reassurance to stakeholders and fans alike. While some franchises in the NBA have faced instability due to ownership changes or unclear succession plans, the Lakers benefit from a clear and consistent leadership structure. Buss, who remains deeply connected to the team’s identity and culture, has emphasized her intent to honor her father’s legacy by preserving family control and maintaining the team’s foundational values.
Her future plans are not entirely spelled out publicly, but those close to her suggest she has no immediate intention of stepping aside. While succession planning may eventually come into play — possibly involving her siblings or trusted executives — Buss is still firmly at the helm, guiding both the basketball and business sides of the franchise.
In an era where ownership groups increasingly look like corporate conglomerates, Jeanie Buss represents a more personal and hands-on leadership style. That approach has its critics, but it also fosters a sense of loyalty, tradition, and familial pride that remains central to the Lakers’ brand.
As the Lakers prepare for another high-stakes offseason, including potential roster changes and the looming decision of LeBron James regarding his future, the presence of Jeanie Buss offers a steadying influence. Whether navigating coaching hires, trade talks, or broader business initiatives, her leadership remains a constant in an otherwise turbulent NBA environment. And for the foreseeable future, it appears that the Lakers will continue to operate with Jeanie Buss at the top — shaping the team’s legacy with every decision she makes.
