Doncic has no peace.

Luka Dončić has been immersed in a whirlwind of activity since arriving in Slovenia, hosting teammates and coaches for a team-building event from Thursday through Monday, August 24. The move comes amid two key developments: Dončić's recent decision to bring his daughters to Slovenia under the care of Anamaria Goltes, and his anticipated role as the focal point of the Los Angeles Lakers following LeBron James' departure to Philadelphia. With the Lakers poised to enter a new era after acquiring him, Dončić now faces the challenge of leading both the team and fulfilling its ambitions. The transition extends beyond the court, ownership changes, financial restructuring, and internal disputes have reshaped the landscape of one of the most storied franchises in American sports. The Lakers, once a family-run enterprise since 1979 when Jerry Buss purchased them for $67.5 million, underwent a major transformation after his death in 2013. His approximately 66% stake was passed down to his six children: Johnny, Jim, Jeanie, Janie, Joey, and Jesse Buss. Jeanie became the public face of ownership, serving as governor of the franchise. In June 2025, the Buss family reached a deal with Mark Walter, a billionaire businessman and owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had held a minority stake in the Lakers since 2021. Walter’s acquisition was valued at around $10 billion, with the Buss family retaining 17.8% ownership. Jeanie Buss received assurances she would remain governor for at least five years. However, this arrangement did not last long. In a surprising turn of events, the Lakers were acquired by a new duo: Joshua Kushner, co-founder of investment firm Thrive Capital, and Bob Iger, former CEO of Disney and one of the most influential figures in American media. Their purchase valued the team at a record $12.5 billion, surpassing even Walter’s previous valuation. While Walter has not publicly explained why he sold the team, his companies have faced increased scrutiny from federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, prior to the sale, Walter sought a multi-billion-dollar loan secured by his Lakers shares. There is no direct evidence linking the sale to financial difficulties or legal investigations, but timing suggests it coincided with heightened regulatory pressure and a need for fresh capital. Kushner and Iger emphasized their longstanding support for the Lakers, stating they wanted to invest in a new basketball franchise in Las Vegas. However, they ultimately chose to back the Lakers instead, recognizing the team as one of the two most iconic franchises in the NBA alongside Boston. Iger, in particular, is expected to play an active role in shaping the team’s future, given his extensive experience managing large corporations during his tenure at Disney and his deep ties to the NBA through ESPN. Despite the new ownership, tensions persist within the Buss family. Five siblings want to sell their remaining 17.8% share, while Jeanie Buss opposes the move, seeking to prevent the sale. Her resistance stems from concerns over her continued influence as governor of the Lakers. Legal experts are divided on whether the siblings can sell their shares independently of Walter or under the terms of his new business arrangements. A court ruling from 2017 reportedly granted Jeanie sufficient control to maintain her position, though the dispute remains unresolved. Dončić, meanwhile, prepares to make his mark on the Lakers this fall. As the team enters a new chapter under new leadership, his ability to lead both on and off the court will be crucial. Whether he can navigate these complex dynamics and help the Lakers reclaim their status as champions remains to be seen.