The Los Angeles Lakers: A Legacy Beyond the Court and Into Real Estate
- Fourth Wall Production
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
The Los Angeles Lakers are not just a legendary basketball team with a record-breaking history—they are also a major presence in the Los Angeles real estate market. Over the years, Lakers players, past and present, have been deeply involved in buying, selling, and investing in high-end properties throughout Southern California. From multi-million dollar mansions to commercial ventures, the Lakers' impact on real estate is undeniable.
Rui Hachimura’s $7.2 Million Encino Estate
One of the most recent Lakers to make a splash in the real estate market is Rui Hachimura. The 26-year-old forward, who secured a $51 million contract extension with the Lakers, recently purchased a luxurious $7.2 million modern farmhouse-style home in Encino, California.
Features of Rui Hachimura’s Home
Size & Layout: The property spans 7,350 square feet, featuring an open-concept design with six bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms.
Premium Materials: The house is built with brushed natural stone, carbon cold-rolled steel, white oak, Douglas fir, and Ceppo di Gré limestone, making it a standout architectural masterpiece.
Luxury Amenities: It includes a spa-like primary suite, a chef’s kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, a movie theater, an infinity-edge pool, and an outdoor entertainment space.
Location: Encino has become a real estate hotspot for celebrities and athletes due to its private, upscale community feel, proximity to Los Angeles, and high property appreciation rates.
Hachimura’s real estate move signals more than just a home purchase—it shows a strategic investment decision, securing valuable property in one of LA’s most desirable neighborhoods.
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A Tradition of Real Estate Investments Among Lakers Players
Rui Hachimura isn’t the only Laker to dive into the lucrative LA real estate market. Several Lakers players—both past and present—have made significant investments in high-end properties, showcasing a blend of luxury living and smart financial planning.
Notable Lakers Real Estate Transactions
LeBron James – The King of LA Real Estate
LeBron James is not only the king of the court but also a major real estate investor. Since joining the Lakers, LeBron has purchased multiple properties in Los Angeles:
Brentwood Mansion ($23 million): This stunning mansion features eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a home theater, a wine cellar, and a rooftop terrace.
Beverly Hills Estate ($36.8 million): In 2020, LeBron expanded his real estate portfolio with a gated Mediterranean-style home, featuring breathtaking views of LA and a legendary past—previously owned by Katharine Hepburn.
Multiple Business Properties: LeBron has also invested in commercial real estate, including production facilities for his media company, SpringHill Entertainment
Kobe Bryant – A Legacy in Real Estate
Before his tragic passing, Kobe Bryant was deeply involved in real estate investments:
Newport Coast Mansion: Kobe’s primary residence was a 15,000-square-foot custom home in Newport Beach, featuring a personal gym, home theater, and an outdoor oasis.
Investment Properties: Bryant and his wife invested in multiple properties throughout Orange County, securing long-term assets for his family.
Shaquille O’Neal – From Lakers Legend to Real Estate Mogul
Shaq, known for his dominance in basketball, has also built an impressive real estate portfolio:
Florida Mega Mansion: Though not in LA, Shaq’s 31,000-square-foot mansion in Orlando was one of his biggest real estate ventures, later selling for $16.5 million.
Shaq Tower (Newark, NJ): Shaq has invested heavily in commercial real estate, developing residential towers in Newark, showing his transition from athlete to full-time investor.
Lonzo Ball – Investing Young
Even at the start of his career, Lonzo Ball made a strategic move into real estate:
In 2017, he bought a $5.2 million mansion in Chino Hills, securing his foothold in the real estate game early.
Other Lakers Players in Real Estate
Anthony Davis bought a $31 million Bel Air mansion in 2021, featuring an NBA-regulation indoor basketball court.
Magic Johnson has invested in commercial real estate, including shopping centers and movie theaters, solidifying his legacy beyond basketball.
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Why Are Lakers Players Investing in Real Estate?
Real estate isn’t just about luxury for these athletes; it’s also a financial strategy to build long-term wealth. Here’s why so many Lakers players invest in property:
1. High Property Appreciation in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has one of the most valuable real estate markets in the world. With properties appreciating at an average rate of 5-7% annually, real estate is a solid long-term investment.
2. Diversification of Wealth
NBA players make millions, but their careers are short-lived. Investing in real estate helps them diversify their wealth beyond basketball salaries and endorsements.
3. Business Expansion & Branding
Some players use real estate to expand their personal brands, investing in commercial properties, restaurants, and entertainment hubs. LeBron James and Magic Johnson are prime examples.
4. Stability & Retirement Planning
Owning real estate provides stability after retirement. Many former athletes who mismanaged their finances faced bankruptcy, but those with real estate assets remain financially secure.
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The Lakers' Influence on LA's Real Estate Market
The Lakers’ presence in Los Angeles extends beyond the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena)—they also play a role in shaping the city’s real estate landscape. Here’s how:
1. Increasing Property Values in Celebrity Hotspots
Areas like Beverly Hills, Brentwood, and Encino have seen skyrocketing property values due to high-profile buyers, including Lakers players.
2. Boosting Commercial Development
Lakers-affiliated businesses have spurred commercial growth, especially in downtown LA and surrounding neighborhoods.
3. Influencing Architectural Trends
Luxury homes owned by athletes feature custom gyms, theaters, and resort-style backyards, setting trends for high-end real estate in LA.
The Lakers’ Real Estate Legacy
The Los Angeles Lakers' influence goes beyond basketball—they are major players in the LA real estate market. From Rui Hachimura’s recent $7.2 million purchase to LeBron’s multi-million-dollar empire, these investments highlight smart financial planning, wealth diversification, and long-term stability.
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With property values continuing to rise and more players recognizing real estate’s potential, we can expect more Lakers legends to leave their mark on Los Angeles—both on the court and in real estate.
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