With the Los Angeles Lakers officially heading into a new era of ownership, fans across the basketball world are reacting with a mix of curiosity, excitement, and uncertainty. While some question what this major transition means for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, longtime Lakers fan and entertainment icon Ice Cube is offering his full support—and even a dose of optimism—about what’s to come.
The legendary rapper, actor, and die-hard Lakers supporter shared his thoughts during an episode of Games With Names, weighing in on the franchise’s recent sale and the identity of the team’s new principal owner, Mark Walter. For Cube, the key to this change lies in Walter’s track record—particularly with another major Los Angeles sports franchise.
“The new owners are… they winners too,” Ice Cube said confidently. “They brought, you know, winning baseball to the Dodgers. As long as they bring winning basketball, they going to get welcomed with open arms.”
Ice Cube is referring to Mark Walter’s success as the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have become a dominant force in Major League Baseball over the past decade. Since Walter’s Guggenheim Baseball Management group took over the Dodgers in 2012, the franchise has seen consistent playoff appearances, a 2020 World Series title, and major investments in star players and infrastructure. That proven formula for building a championship-caliber organization is precisely what has Ice Cube—and potentially many other Lakers fans—hopeful about the future of the purple and gold.
The shift in ownership is undoubtedly one of the most significant developments in recent Lakers history. The Buss family, who have been synonymous with the Lakers for decades, played a crucial role in shaping the dynasty that won 18 NBA championships. But as Ice Cube pointed out, this may have been the right time for such a monumental change.
“I get why it happened,” Cube added. “Not too many people are going to spend $10 billion on a sports team. That’s a huge deal, and the Buss family was lucky to find someone willing to make that kind of investment.”
Indeed, the $10 billion valuation attached to the Lakers is a staggering figure, reflecting not only the team’s history but its global brand power and future potential. For many sports fans, that level of investment signals serious intent from Walter and his group. It’s not just about owning a team; it’s about building a sustainable winning culture.
Ice Cube’s comments resonate with many in Laker Nation who have seen the franchise weather ups and downs in recent years. From the 2020 championship run in the NBA Bubble to first-round playoff exits and inconsistent roster construction, the Lakers have been stuck between eras—caught in transition between LeBron James’ final years and the hope of a new generation led by Luka Dončić.
Now, with new ownership at the helm and a seasoned front office reshuffling the roster, there’s a sense that the Lakers could be entering a fresh, energized chapter. If Mark Walter brings the same level of strategic investment, front office vision, and player development he demonstrated with the Dodgers, the Lakers may well be on the path back to glory.
As Ice Cube put it best, “If they bring winning basketball, they going to get welcomed with open arms.”