So, get this: Bob Iger, the guy who just reportedly agreed to buy the Lakers alongside Josh Kushner, has a bit of a spicy past. Turns out, this new steward of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises was actually a Clippers fan. Yeah, you read that right. Back in 2021, on JJ Redick’s “The Old Man & the Three” podcast, Iger spilled the beans, explaining his fandom started after moving to Los Angeles in 2000. He just couldn’t bring himself to root for the Lakers because they were a big rival of his childhood team, the Knicks. Talk about awkward! He straight up said, “So I couldn’t root for the Lakers very easily; just was not in my DNA.” Wild.
Clippers Season Tickets? Seriously?
It’s one thing to not root for your new team because of an old rivalry, but Iger went all in on the other side of town. The guy apparently bought season tickets to the Clippers back when they had Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobley on the roster. Let that sink in. You’ve gotta really, really love the game to do that. The source points out that while this “Clippers fan” reveal is super public, it might not actually matter much in the grand scheme. How many owners are truly lifelong fans of the team they buy? Probably not many. But still, the optics are pretty hilarious for Lakers fans right now.
What Actually Matters Moving Forward
Look, at the end of the day, Iger and Kushner issued a statement that reads exactly like you’d expect. They said, “As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.” While the initial shock of his Clippers allegiance is funny, the real deal is what comes next. The article stresses that investing in the Lakers to keep them ahead of the Clippers, and everyone else in the league, is what truly counts. So, as long as the checkbook stays open and they’re pushing for wins, maybe his past fandom is just a quirky footnote.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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