Metta World Peace tried to change into a Lakers investor with a $100 million dedication after Mark Walter acquired control of the franchise, however his proposal was rejected, in line with the California Post. The previous Los Angeles ahead mentioned he reached out to Walter instantly after the 2025 transaction as a result of he believed the crew’s worth would proceed to rise.
“I despatched the e-mail the following day, I attempted to get in at $100 [million], and so they didn’t let me in,” Sandiford-Artest informed the California Put up. “However I want he had let me in. That will’ve been nice to have a former Laker as an proprietor, particularly with the Buss household gone.”
World Peace, who was often known as Ron Artest throughout his Lakers taking part in profession, mentioned he was significantly considering turning into a part of the franchise due to his historical past with the group.
“It might’ve been nice to have a Laker, a champion like Metta World Peace,” he informed the California Put up. “They didn’t reply, after which they had been like no.”
The timing of his proposed funding turned extra important because the Lakers’ valuation subsequently climbed. Walter bought the Buss household’s controlling curiosity in 2025 at a $10 billion valuation earlier than selling his majority equity in August 2026 at a reported $12.5 billion valuation.
World Peace mentioned he acknowledged the potential improve within the franchise’s worth when he made his provide. “The explanation why I attempted to is I knew the worth was going to go up, so I missed out,” he mentioned. “I used to be sort of bummed about it. You may have a former participant who desires to place in $100 [million].”
The reported $12.5 billion valuation represents a $2.5 billion improve from the valuation connected to Walter’s 2025 acquisition. The next transaction concerned Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger, whereas the Buss household’s remaining 17.8 p.c stake was additionally agreed to be bought.
World Peace’s connection to the Lakers dates to the franchise’s 2009-10 championship crew. He performed 4 seasons in Los Angeles from 2009-10 by 2012-13 and averaged 9.9 factors, 4.0 rebounds and a pair of.5 assists throughout that span, in line with the statistics offered.
His ultimate Lakers season got here greater than a decade earlier than the franchise’s newest possession transition, which adopted a 2025-26 season wherein Los Angeles went 53-29 and received the Pacific Division. Luka Doncic led the crew with 33.5 factors and eight.3 assists per sport, whereas Austin Reaves averaged 23.3 factors and 5.5 assists.
The Lakers subsequently lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in four games in the Western Conference semifinals. LeBron James then left Los Angeles for Philadelphia, whereas the Lakers reshaped their roster round Doncic and Reaves.
