33.Lakers/taub/4.5 inches/LK1st/mark2nd

No. 33

Anschutz/Roski Buy Stake in Lakers

Adding to their growing L.A. sports empire, Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz and City of Industry developer Edward P. Roski Jr. bought a 25 percent stake in the Lakers basketball team.

The two already owned the Kings hockey team, and are building the $305 million Staples Center sports arena in downtown L.A. They also are lobbying to bring a National Football League expansion team to a rebuilt Memorial Coliseum. Separately, Anschutz last year bought the Los Angeles Galaxy, a Major League Soccer team.

The option to buy a 25 percent stake in the Lakers was part of the basketball team agreeing to become a tenant of Staples Center once the facility is completed in October. (The Kings and the Clippers basketball team also will play in the arena.) Terms of the Lakers deal were not disclosed.

Also, as part of the November deal, Anschutz and Roski have a first-look option on the rest of the team, should majority owner Jerry Buss ever decide to sell it.

Daniel Taub