[Sherman] when asked if she plans to stay for the full term, Buss seemingly hedged her answer. “That’s what I agreed to,” Buss said. “Mark Walter and I are very comfortable with the way things are set up. And I expect things to go on and be successful. And you know, I’m not going anywhere.”
The Buss family kept about 15% of the team, and Jeanie Buss agreed to stay on as governor for at least five years. Still, when asked if she plans to stay for the full term, Buss seemingly hedged her answer.
“That’s what I agreed to,” Buss said. “Mark Walter and I are very comfortable with the way things are set up. And I expect things to go on and be successful. And you know, I’m not going anywhere.”
Buss acknowledged the past 12 months have been one of transition for the team, given both the sale and the team’s decision to trade star forward Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić about a year ago. Buss said the team’s focus is now building around Dončić, rather than 41-year-old LeBron James, who has been the face of the team since he joined in 2018.
“The partnership will give us the stability to continue to move forward as we build towards a team around Dončić,” Buss said. “We couldn’t be more proud that he is a Laker. He is a young all-star that the fans love to see.”
James said Sunday he’s still unsure whether he’ll play beyond this season. Buss said she’d leave James’ future with the Lakers to James. Still, she sounded doubtful that he would return to the team next season, either because he would retire or because he would choose to play elsewhere.
“Never say never, but you know, he certainly hasn’t given an indication,” said Buss. “He’s earned the right to decide how his career will go, and you know, he continues to impress.”
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/17/lakers-jeanie-buss-sale-mark-walter.html