If Mark Walter’s sale of the Los Angeles Lakers was the big surprise of this summer, what followed early this week was perhaps a little more predictable.

The fight within the Buss family — specifically between current Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and her five siblings, who voted to sell the family’s shares in the team — is just beginning. And with it comes a lot of posturing and planning for a fight that will determine how things are run inside basketball’s longest-running soap opera.

The drama might not stretch to the Lakers’ latest sale — the sale from Walter to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner seems like it’s still on track.

A source with knowledge of Mark Walter’s thinking told The Athletic that the current Lakers owner didn’t believe the latest Buss family disagreement would threaten his deal with Iger and Kushner, which values the Lakers at a record $12.5 billion. Two other league and team sources also said they don’t expect the conflict to impact the transaction that will push the Lakers into their next chapter. In that sense, who the Lakers’ majority owner will be when the 2026-27 season begins isn’t the pressing question at hand.

The Athletic spoke with multiple league and team sources with knowledge of the situation for this story. They were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive matters surrounding the ongoing ownership and family dispute, which could result in litigation.

Will Jeanie Buss remain the Lakers’ most powerful executive as team governor, or will she and her siblings sever ties from the organization her father purchased 47 years and 11 championships ago amid a bitter dispute?

That answer won’t be delivered quietly.

It started with the Buss Family Trust casting five votes to sell its shares. Jeanie Buss’ attorney, Adam Streisand, countered with a sternly worded letter asserting her control and laying out a legal strategy to deem the vote void. Then, on Tuesday, Johnny, Jim, Janie, Joey and Jesse issued a joint statement expressing their unity and making it clear that they still intend to sell the family’s shares.

What comes next may not be clear for some time, particularly if this ultimately goes to court.

If Jeanie’s siblings get their way, the trust’s vote will eventually be deemed valid and Jeanie would be out as team governor as a result (the NBA requires team governors to own at least 15 percent of the franchise). Sources familiar with the siblings’ position said they believe the family trust clearly gives them the ability to make decisions by majority vote and that their actions are consistent with previous rulings.

Jeanie and her legal team also believe strongly in their position, with a 2017 court order from the Los Angeles Superior Court cited as the foundation of their stance.

“That trumps everything,” as one league source close to the situation put it.

That order was the determining factor in a conflict between Jeanie and her two older brothers, Johnny and Jim, at the time. In the wake of Jeanie firing Jim from the team’s front office en route to hiring Magic Johnson and current president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, it effectively ended Johnny and Jim’s attempts to have Jeanie removed as governor through the team’s board-election process.

Per the order, the family’s shares can’t be sold without the approval of “current co-trustees, i.e., Jeanie, Janie and Joey Buss.”

This passage, in particular, is seen by Jeanie’s side as the primary reason the vote wasn’t valid.

“The Co-trustees of the Trust are hereby instructed to take all actions reasonably available to them, including voting the Trust’s shares, to ensure that (Jeanie Buss) is elected as the Controlling Owner of the Lakers on an annual basis during (Jeanie Buss’) lifetime absent a further order of this Court modifying the Trust based upon proof of circumstances justifying the modification under applicable law.’”

It’s fair to wonder how Iger and Kushner see this situation, with some wondering whether they’d want to choose a different governor simply because of the messiness of it all. But Walter’s choice to have Jeanie serve as governor for the next four years is known to be part of the contractual agreement from the sale 14 months ago, and a league source close to the situation indicated that it is now considered part of the deal with Iger and Kushner. In essence, if that proves to be the case, Iger and Kushner would be assuming Walter’s ownership role and the governor that comes with it.

What’s more, Iger has offered support for this stance both publicly and privately. Then again, as he hinted during that recent interview with The California Post “if things change, they’ll change.”

That part is true, but it appears to be more of a legal question than an Iger-Kushner one. Jeanie, meanwhile, clearly has no intention of selling her shares before the rest of her governorship is up.

Could there be a way for the rest of the siblings to sell and Jeanie to remain as governor? That would require her finding a way to still own at least 15 percent of the shares, but it is possible. Per a league source, Jeanie would be open to exploring that scenario.

Then again, the level of acrimony here can’t help when it comes to a possible negotiation. It’s worth remembering, too, that Joey and Jesse Buss were fired from their front-office positions by Jeanie just nine months ago, and the temperature has only risen since then.

The Lakers have shown they’re capable of pulling off a shocker, from trading for Luka Dončić to being sold twice in the last 14 months. A peaceful ending to this Buss battle would be the biggest stunner of them all.

Welcome to Part 2 of my yearly travel guide for Pittsburgh Penguins fans. Every year, this article receives more feedback from fans than any other. I’m honored to be your tour guide again.

Don’t miss Part 1, which was published on Tuesday with Nos. 31-24:

31. New Jersey Devils
30. New York Islanders
29. St. Louis Blues
28. Philadelphia Flyers
27. Winnipeg Jets
26. Ottawa Senators
25. Edmonton Oilers
24. San Jose Sharks

Here are Nos. 23-15. Part 3, with Nos. 14-1, will publish on Thursday.

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The ‘Warmth in the Cold’ Division

23. Utah Mammoth

Positives 

• What a beautiful area of the country. The city itself is whatever, but the surrounding area is spectacular.

• If you’re there during the winter, the skiing isn’t so bad, from what I hear.

• If you’re a proud Pittsburgher, seeing Logan Cooley and Vince Trocheck play on a very good Utah team is a nice experience.

• Just a spectacularly friendly city.

• Excellent airport and direct flights on Delta to and from Pittsburgh.

Negatives 

• The arena isn’t terrible but is below average by NHL standards.

• Salt Lake City isn’t known for its vibrant nightlife.

• Nice place but can get boring in a hurry.

Insider tip 

If you’re interested in going here, go to the Penguins’ game in Las Vegas this season. Spend a couple of days there, then hit Salt Lake City on your way home as the Pens finish their road trip. You’ll get to check out Utah and get the direct flight home. The game isn’t in winter, so it’s not the best time to be there, but it’s worth a stop.

Penguins trip this season

Final word 

I like it here. I can’t say I love it, but I’ve been here only a couple of times, so perhaps it will grow on me over time. If winter sports are your thing, you can’t go wrong. But because the Penguins play here so early in this season, maybe this isn’t the best season to make this trip.

22. Minnesota Wild

Positives

• Grand Casino Arena is still one of the NHL’s best barns. What a cathedral of hockey this place is.

• Direct flights on Delta from Pittsburgh to Minneapolis and back.

• St. Paul is quaint and charming.

• The Mall of America is a big hit.

• Penguins games in Minnesota are always entertaining.

Negatives

• The weather gets … a little crisp.

• Those direct flights are very expensive.

• St. Paul is indeed quaint and lovely, but there isn’t a ton to do there.

Insider tip 

If you go, do yourself a favor and walk a few laps around the arena before the game. Greatest concourses in the sport. Massive and designed to perfection. Always a treat.

Penguins trip this season 

Final word 

There is nothing wrong with this trip. It’s grown on me a lot over the years. Bring your significant other and have a Mall of America day beforehand. Then treat yourself to some ice hockey with the friendliest fans in the sport. They’re the best. (Warning: This is the last game of a six-game road trip, so you might be looking at the ol’ built-in loss. Also, pack a jacket.)

The ‘Quickie’ Division

21. Buffalo Sabres

Positives

• It’s an exceptionally easy drive, weather permitting.

• The people of Buffalo, N.Y., are loyal and hardcore sports fans. I like them very much.

• Suddenly, the Sabres don’t stink, which adds some sizzle.

• Niagara Falls is a mere 30-minute drive.

• A great city for things such as wings and beer.

Negatives

• KeyBank Center is a below-average arena.

• Hotels in Buffalo are strangely expensive, especially in the city. We need to investigate this. It’s getting weird.

• Nothing is thrilling about Buffalo; nothing distinctly makes you want to visit.

• Not quite as easy to get tickets here as before.

Insider tip 

Stay in Niagara Falls. Hotels there are cheap during hockey season. They’re really nice, and you get the Falls’ view and amenities while still right down the road from Buffalo. Just don’t forget your passport.

Penguins trips this season 

• Friday, Nov. 27
• Tuesday, March 2

Final word 

That Nov. 27 game is on Black Friday, so you’ll probably be off of work. If you need to get away from the family after Thanksgiving, go. It’s fun. The Steelers play at 3 p.m. that day, so leave early, watch the Steelers at Anchor Bar or in Niagara Falls, then go to the Penguins game at 8 p.m. Works nicely. It’s a fun, affordable, convenient trip if you can avoid those downtown Buffalo hotels.

20. Detroit Red Wings

Positives

• With all due respect to Seattle, Montreal and Minnesota, Little Caesars Arena is the best in hockey. What an experience.

• They call it Hockeytown USA for a reason; great fans and just an enjoyable hockey culture.

• Weather permitting, it’s a very easy drive.

• Making bad decisions across the border in Windsor, Ont., is always a good time.

• Affordable hotels are plentiful.

Negatives

• The Red Wings aren’t much of an attraction these days.

• Michigan in January is not ideal.

• Detroit is so much nicer than it used to be, but it’s still not necessarily all that exciting to visit.

Insider tip 

Detroit is a great sports town. If you’re going to the April 9 game, stick around for a day and go to a Detroit Tigers game against the New York Mets at Comerica Park. You might be able to pair the January trip with a basketball or hockey game at Michigan or Michigan State — perhaps Michigan versus Ohio State in men’s hockey that weekend in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Penguins trips this season 

• Monday, Jan. 25
• Friday, April 9

Final word 

Detroit has really grown on me in recent years. Quite honestly, I found it to be a terrible place to visit 15 years ago, but it has considerably changed for the better. It’s just a hockey lover’s trip. There are better cities if you want to go party, or hear live music, or whatever else you enjoy. But if you want to see the Penguins play in a spectacular arena, and even make it a day trip, this is a good spot.

19. Columbus Blue Jackets

Positives 

• It’s the easiest drive in the league — a mere two and a half to three hours, depending on your origin in the Pittsburgh area.

• Nationwide Arena remains one of the NHL’s best, a great in-arena experience along with its famous arena district.

• You’ll probably see the Penguins win because it’s what they do there.

• Everything about the trip is affordable.

Negatives

• If you’re a Penguins fan who likes to travel, chances are you’ve already made this trip.

• Though the game itself is usually entertaining, there isn’t a lot to get excited about with the Blue Jackets.

• I enjoy Columbus, but it’s not Manhattan or anything.

Insider tip 

Spend the extra money and stay downtown. Columbus is extremely walkable, and if you enjoy a beverage or two, the arena district is perfect. You can walk from your hotel to the bars, then the arena, and back to your hotel. No driving necessary.

Penguins trips this season

• Friday, Oct. 9
• Tuesday, March 16

Final word

As I always say, Columbus is a great starter home for your first NHL road trip. Easy drive. Wonderful building. Inexpensive. A good time to be had.

18. Washington Capitals

Positives 

• Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have only so many meetings left. Being there is always special.

• Washington is a wonderful place to visit in the fall and spring.

• Do you like history? You won’t do better than Washington.

• It’s an easy four-hour drive, and you even get to Yinzer it up in Breezewood on the way.

• Good food city with some underrated nightlife.

Negatives 

• The traffic in the D.C. area can be as bad as advertised. You’ve been warned.

• The hotels are nice but might cost you a mortgage payment.

• One of the worst arenas in the league. They’re giving it a facelift, but Capital One Arena has seen better days.

Insider tip 

If you want to save some money, stay in Alexandria, Va. Old Town is great. You can always Uber into D.C., see the monuments, watch the hockey game and Uber back.

Penguins trips this season

• Wednesday, Oct. 7
• Monday, April 4

Final word 

I always recommend this trip, especially in April, which is Washington’s best month. This is a must-do for all Penguins fans. Washington comes with its drawbacks — and I’m not even talking about the politicians — but it’s a worthy trip.

The ‘Freeze’ Division

17. Boston Bruins

Positives

• It’s Boston, which is to say, it’s a great American city and always fun being there.

• The history of this place remains spectacular. Find a tour. Find something to see. It’s easy, and it’s worth it.

• Fairly cheap direct flights.

• Great food city.

• Lots of great hotels within walking distance to the arena.

• It always feels special when franchises of this magnitude play.

Negatives

• It’s one of those places that always feels colder than what the thermometer says, if that makes sense.

• Perhaps my least favorite arena in the league. TD Garden stinks.

• From hotels to food to transportation, Boston is a tremendously expensive city.

• New York deservedly has the reputation for people not being overly friendly, but in my experience, Boston is even worse.

Insider tip 

Take the weekend and explore New England. New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont are absolute gems. There are so many wonderful small towns. I have, on a couple of occasions, lost myself in those small towns on a day off and loved every second of it. Recommended.

Penguins trip this season 

Final word 

I don’t like Boston as much as some people do, but I don’t dislike it. It’s worth seeing. This one is all about the weather. March is still winter, but you might catch a break and get a nice weekend. If March comes in like a lamb, it can be a wonderful trip, especially when exploring New England.

16. Seattle Kraken 

Positives

• Climate Pledge Arena is one of the NHL’s best. Amazing hockey arena.

• Dynamite food city; all you old Steelers fans will remember what Chad Brown’s wife said about the sushi.

• The area is gorgeous, especially on the water.

• The once-per-day direct flight on Alaska Airlines is the way to go.

• Seattle is really into the Kraken. It’s truly a top-tier sports town.

Negatives

• Have you heard of the Seattle Freeze? As with Boston, Seattle is not always the friendliest city.

• Here’s hoping you are independently wealthy if you’re making this trip.

• While the surrounding areas are spectacular, downtown itself is a little disappointing.

• I can’t think of a duller NHL team to watch than the Kraken.

Insider tip 

If you happen to be making the Seattle-Vancouver swing, take the train from Seattle to British Columbia and thank me later. Astonishingly beautiful.

Penguins trip this season 

Final word 

I have a complex relationship with Seattle. On my first visit, I wanted to love it but did not. And still don’t. But I’m still willing to give it more time to marinate in my heart, because its geographic beauty is something else. It’s expensive, but it’s a nice Valentine’s Day weekend idea for this season.

The ‘Respect the Champions’ Division

15. Carolina Hurricanes

Positives 

• Raleigh, N.C., has the best BBQ situation in the league.

• Top-five friendliest city in the NHL.

• The weather is almost always great.

• It’s a reasonable drive, or a quick direct flight is available.

• Hotels are cheap.

• Great tailgate scene.

Negatives 

• Lenovo Center is not a great building.

• The Penguins haven’t won there in a decade, so prepare to be disappointed.

• I can’t say there’s a ton of nightlife, unless you’re a college student, in which case you’ll find yourself surrounded by other college students.

Insider tip 

• Have lunch at Sammy’s near the N.C. State campus. It’s probably my favorite Steelers bar. Great food, great people.

Penguins trips this season 

• Saturday, Dec. 26
• Thursday, Jan. 7

Final word 

If this were my personal list, Raleigh would be in the top 10. But I try to make this the best list for everyone else. I love Raleigh. It’s the most comfortable, relaxing road trip, in my view. Everyone is friendly. The traffic isn’t bad. It’s easy to get there. The food is good. The weather is good. It’s not particularly exciting, but that’s OK. Not everywhere can be Las Vegas. And as we learned last spring, sometimes Raleigh is better than Vegas. I like this trip a lot. What I don’t like is the schedule this season. The day after Christmas? No thanks. Two weeks later, in the heart of January? Eh, not the best time of year to go to Raleigh, but if you do, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Thanks for reading Part 2 of my rankings. Look for Part 3 on Thursday.

Fychan went into further detail on meeting with the WRU on the latest edition of BBC Wales’ podcast Walescast.

She said it was a good conversation, with WRU chief executive Abi Tierney present.

“I don’t think it’d be any surprise that I’ve received a lot of correspondence from both Scarlets and Ospreys fans,” said Fychan.

“It was an opportunity for me to again reiterate the importance of the WRU properly engaging with communities.

Fychan stated the Welsh Government did not have an opinion on whether a reduction to three sides was the way forward because the WRU is a private company but added: “I was very clear in terms of this new culture and sports strategy for Wales that the future of rugby as a community game is really important as well as that professional side and that I wanted to see, as part of the proposals that they have, how are they addressing those historic concerns?”

Fychan said the WRU gave her some “positive news in terms of what’s been happening with women’s rugby here in Wales”.

“That was positive to hear that especially because of what happened a few years ago and the concerns around that,” said Fychan.

“But clearly people in Wales, and especially those Scarlets and Ospreys fans, currently feel they’re not being listened to.

“There’s that disconnect which is I think a huge concern between the WRU and the communities that they seek to work with.

“So, it was an opportunity to say ‘please work with them’ because people are concerned about the economic impact of the closure of either club as well.”