The Lakers are more than just a sports team; they are a massive global brand that consistently leads in shirt and merchandise sales around the world. The Los Angeles Lakers, arguably the most famous name in American basketball, are changing hands in a deal that has stunned the sporting world. Former Disney boss Bob Iger and businessman Joshua Kushner have agreed to purchase the team for a staggering $12.5 billion. A Landmark Financial ShiftThis massive transaction comes only a year after the team was valued at $10 billion when billionaire Mark Walter took control. Even the Boston Celtics, the Lakers' historic rivals, were valued at just over $6 billion during a sale last year.