While the Los Angeles Lakers are largely under the ownership of the Buss family, a 4.5 percent stake is owned by billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Schiong, a surgeon and entrepreneur who recently made headlines with his purchase of the L.A. Times as well as a number of other smaller newspapers.
He has also been rumored to be part of a group attempting to purchase MLS D.C. United. With Soon-Schiong’s purchase of the Times speculation has arisen about what may happen to his stake in the Lakers.
It may not be a controlling interest in the team but even Soon-Schiong’s relatively small piece of the pie is extremely valuable.