When the Los Angeles Lakers secured a record-shattering $10 billion valuation, it wasn't just a sports transaction—it was a seismic event in the world of finance. But how can one basketball team be worth more than legendary franchises in any sport? This deep dive reveals the Lakers' true business: they don't just play basketball; they operate a global IP factory. Discover how a legacy of superstars from Magic Johnson to LeBron James created a “Disney playbook” for sports, turning fans into lifetime subscribers and setting a new standard for how sports, media, and capital will collide in the coming decade.