“Laker fans, you couldn’t have two better owners,” Johnson wrote on X. Iger joined ABC in 1974 and spent 12 years advancing through its sports division, eventually becoming vice president of programming. Johnson cited the Dodgers’ success under Walter and assured Lakers fans that he would provide the resources necessary to win. In a subsequent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Johnson predicted that Walter would lead the Lakers for the next 30 or 40 years. Johnson has now enthusiastically backed consecutive Lakers ownership groups.