The White House has denied claims that President Donald Trump or his administration influenced the reported $12.5 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers.
A White House spokesperson told Front Office Sports that the transaction had “nothing to do with President Trump or his administration.” Thrive Capital, the venture capital firm founded by prospective owner Josh Kushner, also rejected the claims as false.
The denial followed speculation surrounding the timing of the reported sale. Mark Walter announced that Kushner and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger would become the Lakers’ new owners while federal authorities investigated alleged financial misconduct involving insurance companies controlled by Walter.
The unverified theories suggest federal investigations may have been used to pressure Walter into selling the franchise. Neither theory was presented with evidence, and the White House rejected any connection to Trump.
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Kushner has not held a position in the Trump administration and has described himself as a lifelong Democrat. His brother, Jared Kushner, served as a senior adviser during Trump’s first presidential term.
TWG Global, Walter’s company, had not immediately commented on the allegations cited in the report.
