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Let’s set the record straight.
🏀 Good morning to all, especially to…
Los Angeles Lakers
A legendary entertainment family is parting ways with one of sports’ most prestigious franchises. The Bus family has agreed to sell their majority stake in the Lakers to Mark Walter, owner of the Dodgers. The franchise was valued at $10 billion, marking the most expensive sports team sale in U.S. history.
- The Bass Family Trust, which includes all six Bus siblings, holds 66% ownership.
- The family has owned the team since 1979 when Dr. Jerry Buss purchased it from Jack Kent Cooke. Jerry Buss passed away in 2013, and his daughter Jeanie Buss has been the team governor since then.
- Under Bass family ownership, the Lakers claimed 11 championships.
- Magic Johnson congratulated Jeanie Buss and Walter on social media.
- The previous highest sports franchise sale was the Celtics to Bill Chisholm for $6.1 billion in March.
- Walter, a Lakers minority owner since 2021 and Dodgers owner since 2012, has overseen a winning culture, including two World Series titles and signing stars like Shohei Ohtani.
This acquisition highlights the Lakers’ current position — despite their storied history, they aren’t among the biggest spenders now, a costly stance according to Sam Quinn.
RJ Anderson points out that Walter has built the Dodgers into a powerhouse not only by spending but by smart hiring and embracing innovation, all while avoiding interference in team operations.
Walter’s buyout introduces uncertainty for GM Rob Pelinka, who brought Luka Dončić to Los Angeles. Sam Quinn notes this could create tension.
- Quinn commented, “Walter aims to place the right people to steer this team’s future. While nothing is guaranteed, Doncic’s prospects for competing for a title in LA look promising. LeBron James’ role likely remains secure, but if this season disappoints without Bass family ownership as a safety net, his position could quickly become precarious.”
👍 Honorable Mentions
👎 Not so honorable mentions
🏈 Ravens Sign Jay Alexander: Winners, Losers, and What’s Next
Just a day after a Louisville reunion in Baltimore, Lamar Jackson recommended the Ravens sign former All-Pro cornerback Jay Alexander to a one-year, $6 million deal.
Alexander’s talent is undeniable. Before turning 28, he was a standout for the Packers and earned second-team All-Pro honors twice. However, injuries limited him to just seven games in 2024 and 2023 and only four games in 2021.
Baltimore already boasts one of the NFL’s best secondaries with Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Malachi Starks, and Wabe Azier. If Alexander stays healthy—which is a big if—he provides a physical presence and strong ball skills.
Tyler Sullivan writes that Baltimore benefits, while opposing quarterbacks lose out.
- Sullivan: “In the seven games last season, Alexander allowed completions on just 56.7% of passes in coverage with a passer rating of 86.9. If Baltimore maintains its high defensive level, Alexander’s addition will trouble opponents, provided he stays healthy.”
Baltimore has arguably the NFL’s most talented roster. All 11 of its 2024 Pro Bowlers have returned. The goal is clear: Super Bowl or bust, and Alexander’s signing reflects that ambition.
🏀 NBA Draft Top 100 Big Board, Mock Draft: Cooper Flagg No. 1
With less than a week to the NBA Draft, CBS Sports released its final top 100 player rankings. Unsurprisingly, Cooper Flagg holds the top spot, followed by Dylan Harper at number two. A full scout report of the top 10 players is available here.
Tre Johnson has risen to No. 3, earning a 93.5 grade from Kyle Boone, who compares him to Friar Malik and highlights his strengths as a high-level scorer, playmaker, and possessing an "electric quick release" — a trait making him nearly unstoppable when shooting.
At No. 8, Khaman Maluach, a Duke draft prospect and the “most interesting lead,” has a remarkable South Sudan story.
- Boone writes, “Without a basketball hoop during lockdown, he stayed motivated by stacking large tires nearly 10 feet tall to practice shooting. He’s about 4,700 miles from home in Uganda, nearly twice the distance from Los Angeles to Durham, North Carolina.”
Maluach is projected to go 9th to the Raptors in Kyle’s latest mock draft.
Flagg, a Duke teammate of Maluach, is both a captivating player and a valuable asset. The Mavericks are reportedly eager to build around Flagg and may need to look for a trade involving Anthony Davis.
How the Panthers’ Culture Elevated Them to Dynasty Status
“Culture” is a vague but frequently used term in sports—it involves friendship, trust, teamwork, pushing each other appropriately, and developing players without lowering standards.
The back-to-back Stanley Cup Final champion Panthers embody this culture, Austin Nivison writes.
- Nivison: “Paul Maurice has rediscovered his coaching zeal, and the locker room culture in Florida is the biggest factor. Leaders like Sam Bennett nurture the culture. The toughness and winning commitment from top Panthers players showed right after Game 6’s victory. At its core, culture is intangible but for unique reasons, the Panthers transformed clichés into a genuine dedication to selflessness and triumph.”
This story is inspiring; though culture can’t be measured, the Panthers clearly possess it.
What to Watch on Thursday:
- ⚾ Yankees vs. Angels at 1:05 PM on MLB Network
- ⚾ Braves vs. Mets at 7:15 PM on MLB Network
- 🏀 Pacers vs. Thunder Game 6 (Thunder lead 3-2) at 8:30 PM on ABC
- ⚽ USMNT vs. Saudi Arabia at 9:15 PM on FS1
Fan Take: The Panthers’ commitment to a strong, positive culture not only fuels their success but sets a powerful example for hockey as a whole. This could inspire more teams to prioritize teamwork and leadership off the ice, potentially elevating the sport’s overall competitiveness and spirit.
