The bright lights of Los Angeles just got a little brighter, and the legacy of purple and gold has added another historic chapter. In a monumental and unexpected development, the Los Angeles Lakers organization has confirmed that franchise icon and Hall of Famer James Worthy is returning to the team—but this time, not as a player, coach, or analyst. Instead, Worthy is stepping into a powerful role as co-owner of the Lakers, joining Mark Walter and the Buss Family Trust in a new ownership alignment that has sent shockwaves through the NBA. The announcement, made jointly by team governor Jeanie Buss and majority shareholder Mark Walter, has been heralded as a significant cultural and business move, intertwining the Lakers’ rich past with its ambitious future.
James Worthy, affectionately known as “Big Game James,” is no stranger to Lakers lore. A central figure in the Showtime era that defined 1980s basketball, Worthy was selected first overall in the 1982 NBA Draft and went on to spend his entire professional playing career with the Lakers. Over the course of twelve seasons, he helped lead the team to three NBA championships and earned a reputation as one of the most clutch playoff performers of his generation. His legacy was cemented not only by his statistics and accolades—seven-time All-Star, Finals MVP in 1988, and a Hall of Fame induction in 2003—but also by his demeanor and commitment to the Lakers organization even long after his retirement.
In recent years, Worthy has remained a visible and vocal presence within the Lakers family. As a studio analyst for Spectrum SportsNet, he offered thoughtful commentary on the team’s ups and downs, while frequently mentoring young players behind the scenes. His public image has always been one of loyalty, wisdom, and authenticity—qualities that have made him beloved by generations of Lakers fans. Now, by assuming a formal ownership stake in the franchise, Worthy is taking his involvement with the team to unprecedented heights.
This historic move comes amid a period of transition and reflection for the Lakers. The 2024–2025 season has been one of realignment, with the front office signaling a shift toward legacy integration and long-term cultural consistency. The decision to bring Worthy into the fold as co-owner is seen by many analysts as more than just a sentimental gesture—it’s a calculated move aimed at re-establishing the Lakers’ cultural bedrock. In an era of increased player empowerment and transactional volatility, injecting a foundational figure like Worthy into the business side of operations represents a bet on stability, heritage, and identity.
The deal itself was reportedly months in the making, though kept under strict confidentiality. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Worthy’s interest in ownership has existed for years, but the formal opportunity emerged when Lakers majority owner Mark Walter began exploring ways to expand the team’s ownership group with figures who not only bring credibility and basketball insight, but also personify the Lakers’ brand. Jeanie Buss, known for her deep ties to the franchise and a lifelong relationship with Worthy dating back to his playing days, was a major advocate for the move. Insiders say that her trust in Worthy as a steward of the team’s values was instrumental in bringing the parties together.
Perhaps most intriguing is what this means for the day-to-day dynamics of the Lakers’ operations. While Worthy has clarified that he will not be directly involved in roster management or coaching decisions, he is expected to play an active role in strategic branding, community engagement, and the mentorship of young players. In early statements to the media following the announcement, Worthy emphasized his desire to “build bridges between the Lakers’ glorious past and its promising future.” He spoke passionately about wanting to instill a sense of pride and accountability in the current roster, many of whom came into the NBA long after he retired.
The move also coincides with a broader shift in the NBA toward former players becoming owners or partners in ownership groups. The likes of Dwyane Wade, Grant Hill, and Michael Jordan have all previously set a precedent for post-retirement ownership roles. However, Worthy’s addition to the Lakers’ ownership group carries a particular poignancy given his lifelong ties to a single franchise and the historical depth of that relationship. Few, if any, franchises in professional sports boast the intergenerational continuity that the Lakers enjoy, and the inclusion of Worthy as co-owner only deepens that sense of tradition.
Fan response to the news has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media exploded shortly after the announcement, with hashtags like #WorthyReturns and #LakersLegendOwner trending worldwide. Tributes poured in from former teammates like Magic Johnson, Byron Scott, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, all of whom praised Worthy’s loyalty and acumen. Even current Lakers players have voiced excitement, with team leader Anthony Davis stating, “It means a lot to have someone who’s won here, who understands what it takes, in the building with us every day. That’s powerful.” LeBron James, though near the twilight of his career, expressed admiration for the decision, calling it “a W for the whole basketball community.”
It’s not just about symbolism, either. Industry experts believe that Worthy’s involvement could boost the Lakers’ business profile. His name recognition, media experience, and decades-long rapport with fans could be harnessed in marketing campaigns, youth development programs, and global outreach initiatives. There’s even speculation that Worthy might be the key figure in launching a new Lakers development program aimed at helping former NBA players transition into executive roles, a topic he has championed in recent interviews.
While the Lakers’ on-court performance in recent seasons has been uneven, the front office appears determined to course-correct by aligning its internal culture with its championship ambitions. Worthy’s presence provides a blueprint for professionalism and perseverance that many young players can look up to. More importantly, it sends a signal that the franchise is not merely about wins and losses but about preserving a distinct and irreplaceable basketball ethos.
For Worthy himself, the transition marks both a personal milestone and a full-circle journey. Speaking at a press conference inside the Crypto.com Arena, the same building where statues of Lakers icons stand tall, Worthy reflected on his return to the franchise. “This isn’t just a business opportunity for me—it’s a calling,” he said. “I’ve been part of the Lakers family for over 40 years. I’ve played here, I’ve worked here, I’ve bled purple and gold every day of my life. And now, to be entrusted as a co-owner, it’s the honor of a lifetime.”
He concluded his remarks by pledging to honor the legacy of the late Dr. Jerry Buss, the visionary owner who first brought him to the Lakers and built the dynasty that captivated the basketball world for decades. Worthy’s voice cracked with emotion as he said, “Dr. Buss gave me a chance, believed in me, and showed me what this franchise means. I’ll spend the rest of my life repaying that belief.”
It’s still early days in this new chapter, and much remains to be seen about how Worthy’s presence will reshape the team’s operations. But one thing is clear: the Lakers are reaffirming their identity not just as a basketball team, but as a dynasty built on loyalty, excellence, and family. In an NBA landscape increasingly shaped by business metrics and short-term thinking, the move to bring James Worthy into the ownership circle is a declaration that some values—like legacy, leadership, and love for the game—are still priceless.
The Lakers have always stood as more than just a basketball franchise. They are an institution, a beacon of sports excellence, and a symbol of glamour and grit. By weaving James Worthy into the fabric of their future, they have once again reminded the world why they are the standard-bearers of the sport. And as the Lakers continue to script new stories and chase new banners, they do so with one of their greatest champions now holding a seat at the table—forever home, and now, forever part of the ownership family.
