Luka Doncic reacted to Lakers’ $10B sale saying, “That’s wild—following the new sale of the Los Angeles Lakers

The basketball world, especially those with ties to the Los Angeles Lakers, is still reeling from the monumental news of the franchise’s record-breaking $10 billion sale to Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global and the current owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Amidst the swirling speculation and analyses of what this means for the legendary franchise, star player Luka Dončić, who was recently acquired by the Lakers in a blockbuster trade, has weighed in with his initial reaction.

Dončić’s immediate public statement, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, June 19, 2025, reflected both his excitement for the future and his appreciation for the past. While some reports initially suggested a more informal “That’s wild” reaction, his official statement conveyed a more measured, yet equally enthusiastic, tone.

Luka Dončić’s Official Statement:

“The Lakers are an amazing organization. I’m looking forward to meeting Mark and excited about the future. I am also grateful to Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA, and I’m happy that Jeanie will continue to be involved. I look forward to working with both of them to win championships!”

This carefully worded statement from one of the NBA’s brightest stars offers significant insight into the perception of the sale from a player’s perspective, especially one who is expected to be a cornerstone of the Lakers’ future for years to come.

Key Takeaways from Dončić’s Reaction:

1. Acknowledge and Respect for the Past: Dončić’s gratitude to “Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA” is a crucial diplomatic touch. The Buss family, particularly Jeanie Buss, has been synonymous with the Lakers for decades, and acknowledging their legacy and continued involvement demonstrates respect for the franchise’s storied history. The fact that Jeanie Buss is expected to remain as the team’s governor provides continuity and likely eases the transition for players and staff.

2. Optimism for the Future: The phrase “excited about the future” is a clear indication of Dončić’s positive outlook on the new ownership. This excitement likely stems from the implications of Mark Walter’s financial backing and his proven track record of building winning organizations, notably the Los Angeles Dodgers. For a superstar like Dončić, who is in his prime and focused on winning championships, a change in ownership that promises increased resources and a “win-at-all-costs” mentality is undoubtedly appealing.

3. Desire to Win Championships: Dončić concludes his statement with a clear declaration: “I look forward to working with both of them to win championships!” This reinforces his ultimate goal and aligns perfectly with the Lakers’ own aspirations. For any player of Dončić’s caliber, the primary motivation is to contend for titles, and the infusion of capital and strategic leadership under Walter’s ownership is seen as a significant step towards achieving that.

4. Openness to New Leadership: Expressing eagerness to “meet Mark” (Walter) shows Dončić’s willingness to embrace the new leadership. This is important for a franchise, as buy-in from its star players is critical for a smooth transition and long-term success under new ownership.

Why the $10 Billion Sale is “Wild” for Players Like Dončić:

While Dončić’s public statement was polished, the sentiment of “that’s wild” almost certainly resonates with players across the league. Here’s why:

1. Unprecedented Valuation: The $10 billion valuation for a sports franchise is truly groundbreaking. It shatters previous records, including the recent $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics and the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders. This astronomical figure highlights the immense value of professional sports assets, particularly those with global reach like the Lakers, and sets a new benchmark for future sales. For players, it underscores the staggering wealth involved in the business side of the league.

2. Implied Financial Commitment: A $10 billion investment by an owner like Mark Walter, known for his financial prowess and willingness to spend with the Dodgers, suggests an unparalleled commitment to winning. While the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and luxury tax rules prevent a team from simply “buying” a championship outright, a deep-pocketed owner can provide:

   • Maximized Player Investments: The willingness to consistently pay luxury tax penalties, rather than shying away from them, allows for deeper, more talented rosters. This is crucial for sustaining contention in the modern NBA.
   • Elite Support Staff: Investments in coaching, player development, sports science, analytics, and scouting departments can provide significant competitive advantages. Walter’s track record with the Dodgers, who are renowned for their robust infrastructure, suggests this will be a priority for the Lakers.
   • State-of-the-Art Facilities: While the Lakers don’t own Crypto.com Arena, investments in practice facilities, training technology, and overall player wellness can contribute to on-court performance and player satisfaction.

3. Proven Winner at the Helm: Mark Walter’s ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers has yielded significant success, including World Series titles and a consistent presence in the playoffs. For players, aligning with an owner who has a proven track record of creating championship cultures across different sports is a major draw. It instills confidence that the organization is truly committed to doing what it takes to win.

4. Cross-Sport Synergy and Innovation: Walter’s diverse portfolio (Dodgers, Sparks, Chelsea FC, PWHL, Cadillac F1) opens up unique opportunities for cross-sport collaboration and innovative strategies. While each sport operates differently, there are shared principles in business operations, marketing, data analytics, and talent management that can be leveraged. For a player like Dončić, this could mean access to cutting-edge resources and a management team with a broader, more global perspective.

5. Long-Term Stability and Security: A $10 billion investment signals long-term commitment. For players on long-term contracts, this provides a sense of security and stability within the organization, knowing that the ownership is deeply invested in the franchise’s sustained success.

The Dončić-Lakers Future Under Walter:

Luka Dončić, a five-time All-Star guard, was a pivotal acquisition for the Lakers, arriving in a mid-season blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks. His presence alongside LeBron James immediately elevated the Lakers’ championship aspirations. Now, with Mark Walter as the majority owner, the expectations for the Lakers, and for Dončić specifically, will only intensify.

Dončić is eligible for a lucrative contract extension this summer, reportedly worth up to four years and $229 million. His public statement, expressing excitement and a desire to win championships “with both of them” (Walter and Buss), strongly suggests his intent to remain with the Lakers long-term. This would be a massive win for the franchise, securing one of the league’s top talents for the foreseeable future.

The coming months will be crucial for the Lakers. The immediate focus will be on the NBA Draft and free agency, where the team will look to build a supporting cast around Dončić and James that can truly contend. With Mark Walter’s financial backing and strategic vision, combined with Jeanie Buss’s deep understanding of the Lakers’ legacy, the franchise seems poised for a new era.

Luka Dončić’s reaction, while seemingly succinct, speaks volumes. It’s a blend of respect for the Lakers’ rich past and palpable excitement for a future that promises unprecedented resources and a renewed, aggressive pursuit of championships under the leadership of one of the world’s most prominent sports owners. For the “wild” $10 billion Lakers, the journey into this new era has just begun, with their superstar firmly on board.