On the latest edition of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons is doubling down on his reporting about the impending sale of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly being sold to Josh Kushner for $12.5 billion, but Simmons reported last week that Kushner doesn't have the funds to finalize the deal.
“The Lakers guy doesn't have the money yet… That $12.5 billion that he has to pay to Mark Walter. He still searching for about 5-6 billion of it. Doesn’t have it yet,” Simmons said on his podcast.
Also, part of the deal is Bob Iger, former longtime CEO of Disney, but Simmons alleged that Iger isn't putting up as much money as it appears.
“Here’s the other thing… guess who’s not really putting in any money? Bob Iger. He’s putting in the minimum. The minimum’s like $63 million, that’s what he’s putting in.”
Simmons spoke about the sale again and doubled down on his initial reporting, saying he spoke to several sources that corroborate the story.
“I think they're confident they are gonna get the money, but I've talked to too many people who said they are still looking to find the remaining money to pay $12.5 billion.”
When asked who he spoke to about the story, Simmons doubled down but clarified that he believes they will get the money.
“I've talked to people. I think they probably will get the money, but I don't think they have it yet because too many people have been shown the deck and offered it and offered a chance to get in.”