In a move that blends Hollywood glamour with political ambition, Los Angeles Lakers governor and minority owner Jeanie Buss has cut a check for $1,800 to the mayoral campaign of Spencer Pratt—the former star of MTV’s The Hills. While that sum might seem pocket change for a billionaire sports mogul, it’s actually the maximum donation permitted under local election laws.
Pratt, 42, is throwing his hat into the ring for Los Angeles mayor, and he’s already collected more than half a million dollars in contributions. Buss’s donation, first reported by FOX LA, is a signal that the Lakers’ top brass is paying attention to the city’s political landscape—even if she hasn’t officially picked sides.
“Los Angeles Lakers minority owner and governor, Jeanie Buss, reportedly donated $1,800 to Pratt’s campaign, which is the maximum allowed amount under local election laws. Despite the contribution, Buss has not publicly endorsed a candidate in the tight race,” FOX LA reported.
The timing of Buss’s donation is intriguing, as the Lakers are in the thick of a Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Los Angeles currently holds a 3-2 lead, with Game 6 tipping off Friday night at 9:30 p.m. ET. The team’s focus is split between on-court battles and off-court headlines—especially with Luka Doncic likely to miss the start of the second round if they advance.
Pratt’s campaign has leaned heavily on his reality TV fame, positioning himself as an outsider who can shake up city hall. He believes he’s the one to turn Los Angeles around, and Buss’s maxed-out donation adds a layer of credibility—or at least curiosity—to his bid. Whether this translates into voter support remains to be seen, but it’s already generating chatter across sports and entertainment circles.
For the Lakers, the playoff pressure is mounting. The team has been dealing with its share of drama, from Kelly Stafford’s courtside outburst that ignited fan fury to ongoing questions about roster decisions. Buss’s political move might seem like a distraction, but it also underscores her deep ties to the community she helps shape as a sports leader.
Meanwhile, Pratt’s fundraising haul—over $500,000—shows he’s not just a novelty candidate. With the mayoral race tightening, every dollar counts, and Buss’s maximum contribution could inspire other high-profile donors to follow suit. For now, the Lakers are focused on closing out the Rockets, but the intersection of sports, politics, and reality TV has never been more fascinating.
