The Unlikely Owner: Josh Kushner's Path to the Lakers

Josh Kushner, the younger brother of Jared Kushner, has taken the sports world by storm with his $12.5 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Lakers. But what do we really know about this new owner's politics?

Unlike his brother Jared, who is a close ally of President Donald Trump, Josh Kushner identifies as a Democrat. In fact, he believes it's possible to have relationships with people you don't align with politically. This stance is a far cry from his brother's views, which have been closely tied to Trump's administration.

Josh Kushner's family ties to Trump are undeniable. His father, Charles Kushner, is a close ally of the President and has donated $1 million to Trump's main super PAC. Charles Kushner even received a pardon from Trump in 2020 after pleading guilty to tax evasion and other charges. Today, he serves as the U.S. ambassador to France and Monaco.

Despite these family connections, Josh Kushner's politics are a mystery to many. His net worth is estimated to be $5.2 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. His business ventures, including his role as founder of Thrive Capital, have raised eyebrows in the sports world.

The Lakers sale has sparked conspiracy theories about Trump's involvement, but the White House has denied any connection. Meanwhile, a coalition of FIFA members and executives blocked a sale of a new FIFA spinoff to Thrive and other private investors, citing concerns about private equity involvement in the nonprofit organization.