In a seismic shift for the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers were sold this week in a record-setting transaction that valued the franchise at $10 billion — the largest franchise sale in North American sports history. The team’s iconic steward, Jeanie Buss, handed the reins to billionaire businessman Mark Walter, who also controls the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Walter’s arrival signals a new chapter for the Lakers. One filled with high expectations, financial muscle, and a no-nonsense approach to performance. At the center of that spotlight is Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ blockbuster midseason acquisition.

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On Fox Sports 1, national personality Colin Cowherd issued a pointed warning to Doncic: produce or risk being pushed out.

“That ownership group and the front office moved off Cody Bellinger, a National League MVP, and Corey Seager, a World Series MVP,” Cowherd said. “If Luka doesn’t get in shape, if Luka doesn’t defend at a higher level, they’ll move off him. They will hold Luka accountable.”

Cowherd referenced lingering concerns from Doncic’s time in Dallas about his conditioning and defensive consistency, which contributed to the Mavericks’ surprising decision to trade the superstar in February.

In response to the sale, Doncic took to social media to express support for the transition:

“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… I look forward to working with both of them to win championships!”

The Lakers ended the 2025 season with a first-round playoff exit, highlighting roster flaws and inconsistencies that new leadership must address. Walter, who oversaw the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run, will now attempt to replicate that success in basketball.

With Walter at the helm and Doncic at the forefront, a new era in Lakers basketball has officially begun — but expectations, and accountability, have never been higher.