Bob Iger’s arrival as part of the new Lakers ownership group comes with an ungainly element for the franchise’s fan base: the longtime leisure govt as soon as overtly recognized himself as a Los Angeles Clippers fan.
Throughout a 2021 look on “The Outdated Man and The Three” podcast, Iger mentioned his relationship with Chris Paul and his involvement with the NBA’s 2020 bubble in Orlando. Requested about his NBA fandom after shifting from New York to Los Angeles, Iger defined why he selected the Clippers as an alternative of the Lakers.
“I’m a Clippers fan,” Iger stated. He defined that he moved to Los Angeles in 2000 and wanted an NBA staff to assist, however his upbringing as a New York Knicks fan made rooting for the Lakers troublesome due to the historic rivalry between the franchises.
“So I couldn’t root for the Lakers very simply; it simply was not in my DNA,” Iger stated. “So I made a decision to undertake the Clippers, which was really a superb factor, as a result of their seats have been rather a lot cheaper than the Lakers.”
The feedback are notable as a result of Iger is now a part of the possession group positioned to take management of one of many Lakers’ largest rivals. Iger and Josh Kushner have emerged as the brand new possession figures following Mark Walter’s agreement to sell the Lakers for approximately $12.5 billion, based on the knowledge supplied.
The timing additionally comes after a serious basketball transformation in Los Angeles. The Lakers went 53-29 throughout the 2025-26 common season, completed fourth within the Western Convention and gained the Pacific Division earlier than being swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference semifinals.
Luka Doncic led the staff with 33.5 factors, 8.3 assists and seven.7 rebounds per recreation whereas taking pictures 47.6% from the sphere. Austin Reaves averaged 23.3 factors, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds whereas taking pictures 49.0% total and 36.0% from three-point vary.
The Lakers then moved aggressively to reshape the roster round Doncic and Reaves. They acquired Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade and dedicated 4 years and $130 million to the middle whereas surrendering two unprotected first-round picks and two decide swaps.
Reaves also received a four-year, $185 million extension, making the Doncic-Reaves-Kessler trio the inspiration of the franchise’s subsequent part.
Iger’s connection to the basketball world extends past his former Clippers fandom. Ramona Shelburne just lately identified Chris Paul as someone to watch around the Lakers due to Paul’s shut relationship with Iger, whereas noting that the just lately retired level guard is an “unimaginable basketball thoughts.”
