Mark Walter Acquires Majority Stake in Los Angeles Lakers

Mark Walter has officially become the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers after the NBA Board of Governors approved his purchase from the Buss family. This significant transaction, first announced in June, is expected to close shortly. Jeanie Buss will remain the team’s governor for at least the next five years, overseeing daily operations for the foreseeable future.

As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to navigate this ownership transition, the team remains focused on its performance and future prospects. Walter’s acquisition marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, which is regarded as one of the most valuable in the NBA.

In a separate development, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The team’s general manager, Sam Presti, confirmed this news on Thursday. Topic, who was a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had a medical procedure earlier this month and was expected to miss at least four weeks. Presti mentioned that doctors are “extremely positive” about Topic’s long-term outlook, and he has continued to work out during his treatment.

In college football, Texas quarterback Arch Manning is reportedly making good progress in practice. Coach Steve Sarkisian stated that Manning’s status remains uncertain as he recovers from a concussion sustained during the game against Mississippi State. Manning, who has thrown for 1,795 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, is listed as questionable for the upcoming match against No. 9 Vanderbilt. If he is unable to play, backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell will take the lead.

Meanwhile, NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin is pursuing his first championship at the Phoenix Raceway. Known for his impressive career, which includes three Daytona 500 victories, Hamlin considers this his last chance for his father, Dennis, to witness a championship win in person. Dennis’s health has declined, making this opportunity particularly poignant for Hamlin, who faces tough competition from drivers including Chase Briscoe and Kyle Larson.

In the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss his first game of the season due to left knee soreness. The Bucks confirmed his absence shortly before their game against the Golden State Warriors. Antetokounmpo has been averaging an impressive 36.3 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists in the season’s early games.

In baseball, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider shared that injured designated hitter George Springer is on track to play in Game 6 of the World Series. Springer, who strained muscles on his right side, was close to participating in Game 5. His return could be crucial as the Blue Jays face the Los Angeles Dodgers in this pivotal match.

In women’s basketball, the 2026 Hall of Fame class will feature notable figures including Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and coach Cheryl Reeve. The announcement was made on Thursday, highlighting the contributions of both players and coaches to the sport.

Finally, the Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera, 33, as their new manager. This decision follows the dismissal of Dave Martinez in July, marking a new chapter for the Nationals, who have faced six consecutive losing seasons since their 2019 World Series title.

In the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Martin Necas to an eight-year contract extension worth $92 million, effective until 2034. This deal will see Necas count $11.5 million against the salary cap annually starting in the 2026-27 season, reflecting the team’s commitment to securing its future talent.

As the landscape of sports continues to evolve, these developments highlight the ongoing challenges and triumphs faced by athletes, teams, and managers across various leagues.