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Home » When Estate Planning Fails: Family Infighting and the $10 Billion Lakers Sale

When Estate Planning Fails: Family Infighting and the $10 Billion Lakers Sale

March 10, 2026 by Ellen LaPlante

The recent $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers provides a powerful cautionary tale about Estate Planning, family conflict, and business succession. Despite a sophisticated Trust designed to keep ownership in the Buss family, structural flaws and sibling rivalries ultimately dismantled Jerry Buss’s legacy. This case illustrates why even well-drafted Estate Plans can fail when they ignore real-world dynamics. Learn the critical lessons every family business owner should consider before it’s too late. Continue reading to learn more.

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Ellen LaPlante
Ellen LaPlante
Ellen LaPlante is an attorney whose mission is to provide clients with guidance in Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Medicaid Preparation. She is licensed in Vermont and New York. Ellen helps clients put together unique estate plans, including assistance with Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives. She also works with clients on Medicaid Planning and qualifying for Medicaid assistance Read More!
Ellen LaPlante
Latest posts by Ellen LaPlante (see all)
  • Young Families Estate Planning in Vermont - May 5, 2026
  • 8 Vermont Medicaid Myths Seniors Need to Understand - April 30, 2026
  • Things to Consider If Someone in Your Estate Plan Is Not a U.S. Citizen - April 23, 2026

Filed Under: Legal Education, Estate Planning Tagged With: attorney, business succession planning, estate planning, consumer, closely held businesses, family business, family trust dispute, Lakers, sibling conflict, trust governance and control

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Essex Junction, VT 05452
United States (US)
Phone: (802) 879-7133
Fax: (802) 879-0408

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