Forbes: Lakers most valuable NBA franchise

[Denny Crane]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-nbateamvalues&prov=ap&type=lgns

Forbes: Lakers most valuable NBA franchise


NEW YORK (AP)—The Los Angeles Lakers are the NBA’s most valuable team, and 12 others lost money in the 2008-09 season, according to Forbes magazine.

In its annual listing of the value of NBA teams, Forbes finds the Lakers to be worth $607 million, up 4 percent for the league champions. Second are the New York Knicks at $586 million, but that is a 4 percent drop. The Knicks led the rankings for the four previous seasons.

The Chicago Bulls ($511 million), Detroit Pistons ($479 million) and Cleveland Cavaliers ($476 million) round out the top five.

At the bottom of the 30-team rankings are the Milwaukee Bucks at $254 million. The league average worth is $367 million, down 4 percent, according to Forbes.

The teams losing money in the last 12 months are the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Bobcats, New Jersey Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks.

Teams’ average operating income was $7.8 million, with the Lakers at the top with $51.1 million, just ahead of the Bulls at $51 million. Portland’s value has increased the most, by 10 percent, while the Kings and Grizzlies each have dropped the most, by 13 percent.

On the Net:

http://www.forbes.com/nba

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

 

[Shapecity]

The Blazers lost money despite having the highest increase in net operating income. Not a good sign for the league.

The Blazers took a big hit to the bottom line when Darius Miles returned to basketball last year with the Memphis Grizzlies after sitting out two years with what was thought to be a career ending injury. The Blazers had waived Miles in 2008 and insurance was picking up most of his $9 million salary. When he returned to play, the Blazers were on the hook for his salary and a $5.9 million luxury tax bill.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

It also shows just how bad the Knicks are.

They should be by far he most valuable franchise in the NBA.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

I really think this is why RLEC was absorbed; Paul Allen needed a fat expiring contract off his books just as much as some other owners did.

 

[julius]

Funny how Darius hasn't gotten another contract offer yet.

It's not like Memphis is dripping with wins and would have no place for him or nothing.

Oooh wait, his contract already counts against the team.

 

[Minstrel]

Well, the Lakers franchise owns the referees...but is that currently a positive or negative asset, financially?

 

[TradeNurkicNow]

Well, the Lakers franchise owns the referees...but is that currently a positive or negative asset, financially?

The plot thickens

 

[maxiep]

Well, the Lakers franchise owns the referees...but is that currently a positive or negative asset, financially?

If they own them the way the Gambinos own the refs, I assume it's a positive asset.