PHILADELPHIA — Performance-wise, the Lakers are looking to move up from No. 2 to No. 1 this season. Financially, they’re still No. 2.
Forbes’ annual NBA team valuations have the Lakers are No. 2 for the fourth consecutive year behind the New York Knicks. Jerry Buss’ Lakers increased in value from $560 million to $584 million, but the Knicks are at $613 million.
The Lakers’ operating income was listed at $47.9 million, though, compared to the Knicks’ $29.6 million.
Breaking into the top 10 this season are the No. 1 performance team from last season, the Celtics, who increased in value $56 million to $447 million and rank ninth. Others in the top 10 were the Bulls, Pistons, Cavaliers, Rockets, Mavericks, Suns and Spurs.
