‘I stand by’… Bill Simmons doubles down on LA Lakers ownership group claims

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Podcaster Bill Simmons has doubled down on the claims he made about the Los Angeles Lakers.

Earlier this year, Mark Walter made the surprise decision to sell the LA Lakers after little more than a year of ownership.

A new ownership group led by Bob Iger and Josh Kushner bought Walter out, but the deal is yet to be finalized.

Last week, Bill Simmons caused a stir by claiming that the new group do not yet have the money to complete the buyout.

ESPN has since reported that all terms of the deal have been agreed – but Simmons is sticking by his claims.

Speaking on his most recent podcast, Simmons said: “They put out all these different pieces about they do have the money, but they didn’t actually say they had the money.

“I see both sides. I think they’re confident they are gonna get the money. But I’ve talked to too many people who said they’re still looking to find the remaining money to pay $12.5 billion.”

He added: “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.”