Former Disney CEO Bob Iger is set to become a co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers alongside business partner Josh Kushner after agreeing to purchase the franchise from controlling owner Mark Walter for $12.5 billion on Wednesday.The problem? Iger has publicly admitted hes a Clippers fan.Even better, he once explained his allegiance directly to current Lakers head coach JJ Redick during a 2021 appearance on Redicks Old Man and the Three podcast.Im a Clippers fan, Iger said. Having moved from New York to Los Angeles back in 2000 and being a big NBA fan, I needed a team to root for. And in my youth, the Lakers were a big rival of the Knicks, the team I grew up rooting for.So I couldnt root for the Lakers very easily. It just was not in my DNA. So I decided to adopt the Clippers, which was actually a good thing because their seats were a lot cheaper than the Lakers.Those comments have resurfaced following Wednesdays blockbuster ownership news, creating an unusual situation where one of the Lakers new owners has openly supported their cross-town rival.Igers Clippers fandom wasnt exactly a secret either. He has regularly been photographed courtside at Clippers games over the years, including alongside Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and famous fan Billy Crystal.His original loyalty, however, dates back to New York.Iger grew up supporting the Knicks before relocating to Los Angeles in 2000. With the Lakers historically serving as one of New Yorks major rivals, particularly after their NBA Finals meetings, Iger couldnt bring himself to switch sides and instead adopted the Clippers.Related Article: Bobby Portis Calls Out Norman Powell For Giannis CommentsMore than two decades later, things have taken an unexpected turn.Iger and Kushners $12.5 billion agreement represents another major ownership change for the Lakers, coming just 14 months after the Buss family agreed to sell its majority stake to Walter.Now Iger isnt simply going to have to sit alongside Lakers fans. Hes going to be one of the people who owns their team, while his old comments to their current head coach suddenly have an entirely different meaning.READ MORE: Bobby Portis Calls Out Norman Powell For Giannis Comments
