Jerry Buss was an influential American businessman and the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979 until his death in 2013. His impact on US sports is still felt today, with the late Kobe Bryant referring to him as “the greatest owner in sports ever.” Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the Great Depression, Buss overcame a challenging upbringing to build a successful business empire and transform the Lakers into a global brand.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in a family abandoned by his father, Buss was raised by his mother and stepfather, Stub Brown, who instilled in him a strong work ethic. He excelled academically, earning a scholarship to the University of Wyoming and later attending the University of Southern California (USC). After completing his studies, Buss worked as a chemist for the Bureau of Mines and held positions in the aerospace industry and USC’s chemistry faculty.
Entering the World of Business
In 1959, Buss made his first property investment in West Los Angeles with the $1,000 he had saved. This marked the beginning of a lifetime of outstanding business success. Alongside his business partner, Frank Mariani, Buss established Mariani‐Buss Associates in the early 1960s. By the end of the 1970s, the company owned around 700 properties across California, Arizona, and Nevada, amassing an empire worth an estimated $350 million.
Introduction to Sports Ownership
Buss entered the sports world when he became the owner of the Los Angeles Strings in 1974, a franchise that competed in World TeamTennis. In 1979, he purchased the NBA’s LA Lakers, the NHL’s LA Kings, The Forum indoor arena, and a 13,000-acre Sierra Nevada ranch in a deal worth $67.5 million. This marked the beginning of a golden era for Los Angeles sports, with Buss’s public profile rising alongside the Lakers’ success.
Transforming the Lakers
Under Buss’s ownership, the Lakers won 10 NBA championships, starting with their victory in 1980 led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and rookie Magic Johnson. Buss revolutionized basketball entertainment, introducing cheerleaders, music during breaks, and even a house band at Laker games. His vision for sports as an all-around experience for spectators attracted stars and celebrities to the league, helping to redefine the concept of premium seating with the creation of the Forum Club.
Other Sports Ventures
While the LA Kings did not achieve the same level of success as the Lakers, Buss’s ownership of the WNBA team, the LA Sparks, saw them win back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002. After Buss’s death in 2013, his six children inherited his majority share of the Lakers, with his daughter Jeanie Buss taking on the most prominent role as team president and Lakers representative on the NBA Board of Governors.
Legacy and Impact
Jerry Buss passed away on February 18, 2013, at the age of 80, due to kidney failure. His death prompted widespread reactions from the sports world, with NBA commissioner David Stern stating, “The NBA has lost a visionary owner whose influence on our league is incalculable and will be felt for decades to come.” Buss’s contributions to basketball and American sports in general have left an indelible mark on the industry, setting the standard for sports ownership and inspiring future generations of sports entrepreneurs and fans alike.
In conclusion, Jerry Buss was a remarkable individual who accomplished a great deal in his lifetime. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest owners in the history of American sports, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.