BREAKING NEWS: Los Angeles Lakers Basketball Legend LeBron James Returns as Co-Owner In a monumental announcement, Los Angeles Lakers owner the Mark Walter family has officially declared that LeBron James the legendary power forward and long-time face of the franchise, will return to the organization in 2025 as a co-owner..…view more

In a historic move that bridges past glory with future ambition, the Los Angeles Lakers have announced that LeBron James, the four-time NBA champion and long-time face of the franchise, is returning to the organization as a co-owner. The announcement was made jointly today by the Lakers’ new controlling owners, the Mark Walter family, and team governor Jeanie Buss.

LeBron’s return marks the first time in Lakers history that a former player of his magnitude has transitioned directly into an ownership role with the team.

> “LeBron James has defined excellence on the court and continues to redefine leadership off it,” said Mark Walter, principal owner and CEO of Guggenheim Partners. “We are honored to welcome him into the ownership group as we chart a bold new course for the Lakers.”

From Courtside to Boardroom

LeBron James, now 40, spent six seasons with the Lakers (2018–2024), culminating in the 2020 NBA Championship and multiple playoff runs. His influence transcended basketball—building community initiatives, leading social justice conversations, and helping reshape the Lakers’ culture in the post-Kobe Bryant era.

In 2024, James hinted at retirement but left the door open for a deeper role in the sport. That vision is now reality.

> “This isn’t just a business move. It’s home,” James said in a press release. “The Lakers are part of my soul, and I’m ready to invest my energy, resources, and heart into making sure the purple and gold remain the standard of greatness.”

What LeBron’s Ownership Means

While financial details of the deal remain private, James is believed to have secured a minority stake with executive influence in both basketball and business operations. According to team sources, he will be involved in:

Talent Development

Player Wellness and Culture

Global Brand Expansion

Community Engagement Initiatives

His role is expected to be hands-on, with frequent collaboration alongside Jeanie Buss, GM Rob Pelinka, and head coach Darvin Ham.

NBA Community Reacts

Reaction from players and league executives was swift and celebratory:

Magic Johnson tweeted, “LeBron becoming part-owner of the Lakers is a dream move. He’s built for leadership on every level.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “LeBron’s move into ownership reflects the evolution of the modern athlete: empowered, visionary, and committed to legacy.”

A New Era Begins

The announcement comes amid a transformative offseason for the Lakers. With the Walter family’s acquisition of a majority stake and a renewed focus on innovation, bringing in LeBron James signals a deep commitment to preserving the franchise’s legacy while building toward a dominant future.

As the Lakers step into a new chapter, one of their greatest leaders returns—not in uniform, but in a suit—wi

th the same goal: championships, culture, and excellence.