Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Jerry Buss

Gerald Hatten "Jerry" Buss (January 27, 1933 – February 18, 2013) was an American businessman, chemist, and sports executive best known as the longtime owner of the of the (NBA), a franchise he purchased in 1979 and led to 10 NBA championships during his 34-year tenure. Born in , , Buss rose from modest beginnings after his parents' early divorce, working various jobs including as a plumber's assistant while pursuing . Buss earned a in from the University of and a Ph.D. in from the University of Southern California in 1957, initially working in the aerospace industry before transitioning to , where he co-founded Mariani-Buss Associates and amassed a fortune through apartment investments and later oil royalties. In 1979, he acquired the Lakers for $16 million from , along with the of the NHL and The Forum arena, though he later sold the Kings and other holdings to focus on . Under his ownership, the Lakers achieved a remarkable record of 1,786 wins against 926 losses (.659 winning percentage) and reached the 16 times, transforming the team into a global entertainment powerhouse known as "Showtime" in the 1980s with stars like and . Buss revolutionized sports ownership by emphasizing glamour and fan experience, introducing innovations such as the dance team, an in-house band, and extensive in-game entertainment that influenced the modern NBA's marketing strategies, including elements like kiss cams and T-shirt cannons. His visionary approach aligned with NBA Commissioner David Stern's efforts to elevate the league's appeal, turning the Lakers into a and earning Buss induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2010 as well as a star on the in 2006. Buss, who had six children from two marriages and was known for his lavish, celebrity-filled , passed away from complications of cancer at age 80, leaving the Lakers franchise—valued at over $1 billion at the time—to his family, particularly daughters Jeanie and Janie. In June 2025, the Buss family sold their majority ownership stake in the Lakers for a $10 billion valuation. His legacy endures as one of the most successful and influential figures in history.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Gerald Hatten Buss was born on January 27, 1933, in , , to Lydus Buss and Jessie Buss. His parents divorced when he was an infant, after which Lydus largely disappeared from his life, leaving Jessie to raise Jerry and their three younger siblings amid the economic hardships of the . Jessie, working as a waitress, struggled to provide for the family, often relying on government assistance programs like the (WPA) for food rations. The family experienced frequent relocations, initially settling in the small Wyoming town of Kemmerer, a coal-mining community where poverty was acute, before moving to when Jerry was nine years old in search of better opportunities. They returned to shortly thereafter following Jessie's remarriage to Cecil O. Brown, a plumber, which brought some stability but also introduced a strained dynamic in the household. These early years of instability and scarcity profoundly shaped Buss's character, as he later recalled standing in bread lines in the bitter cold and opting for cheaper over white to stretch limited funds. To help support the family, young Jerry took on various odd jobs, including digging ditches for his stepfather's business before school, shining shoes, working on the railroad by pumping a , and even running a small mail-order stamp-collecting business at age 13. These experiences instilled in him a relentless that would drive his later pursuits, eventually leading him toward academic opportunities as a means of escape from hardship.

Academic pursuits and scientific work

Buss earned a degree in chemistry from the in 1953, completing the program in just two and a half years. Motivated by early family financial struggles, he then moved to to pursue advanced studies at the (). There, under the mentorship of prominent chemists Sidney W. Benson and David A. Dows, Buss obtained both a and a in in 1957, achieving the latter at the age of 24. Following his doctorate, Buss joined USC as a chemist, focusing his early research on physical chemistry topics relevant to aerospace applications, including the thermodynamics of organic compounds and materials behavior under extreme conditions. His work in this area prepared him for roles in the aerospace industry, where he served as a theoretical chemist and operations research consultant for firms involved in propulsion and materials development. Concurrently, Buss taught night classes in chemistry at USC for a decade, balancing his full-time industry commitments with educational responsibilities that highlighted his organizational skills in handling complex numerical data. In the 1960s, Buss advanced to a professorial position in USC's chemistry department, where he contributed to both teaching and departmental activities while continuing his scientific pursuits. A key output of his research was a 1958 co-authored publication with Sidney W. Benson in The Journal of Chemical Physics, titled "Thermodynamic Properties," which introduced a general limiting law to systematize thermodynamic data for organic molecules through group additivity rules. This influential work provided foundational methods for estimating thermochemical properties, with applications in chemical engineering and space technology for predicting behaviors in propellants and high-energy materials. Although specific patents directly attributed to Buss are not prominently documented, his contributions aligned with innovations in aerospace thermodynamics during the era.

Business career

Real estate development

Jerry Buss launched his career in 1959 while completing his in chemistry at the , contributing $1,000 personally toward a group investment in a 14-unit apartment building in . Along with partners, including fellow Frank Mariani, they put down a total of approximately $6,000 and secured mortgages for the remaining $99,000 purchase price, demonstrating early use of financial to enter the market. This modest start capitalized on the post-war housing demand in , where Buss applied analytical rigor from his scientific training to evaluate undervalued opportunities. In the early 1960s, Buss and Mariani formalized their partnership by establishing Mariani-Buss Associates, which aggressively expanded through targeted acquisitions of apartment buildings and other income-producing properties in undervalued areas of . The firm's strategy emphasized high-ratio mortgages to maximize returns on equity, reinvesting rental income to acquire more assets amid the region's economic boom driven by and industry expansion. Additionally, the partners discovered oil under one of their properties, generating royalties that were reinvested to acquire more assets. By the late , the company had grown to encompass about 700 properties across , , and , including thousands of apartment units, single-family homes, four hotels, and office buildings, establishing Buss as a multimillionaire . Among the firm's notable deals was the 1980 acquisition of the historic estate in Beverly Hills for $5.4 million, the former home of silent film stars and , which Buss purchased at a sale and later renovated. The partnership also developed commercial properties, such as hotels and office buildings, diversifying beyond residential holdings to include income-generating assets in key urban markets. In 1979, as Buss pivoted toward sports investments, he sold select real estate holdings and structured tax-efficient swaps, liquidating assets valued collectively at around $350 million to generate the necessary capital while realizing substantial appreciation profits from two decades of growth.

Entry into sports ownership

Buss's initial venture into professional sports ownership came in 1974 when he acquired the Los Angeles Strings, a franchise in the newly formed World Team Tennis (WTT) league. The team, which played its home matches at the , marked Buss's entry into the sports entertainment landscape, where he emphasized innovative promotion and player appeal to draw crowds. Under his ownership, the Strings achieved success, winning the WTT championship in 1977 and 1978, before Buss sold the franchise in 1978 amid the league's financial struggles. This experience paved the way for Buss's major leap into mainstream professional sports in 1979, when he purchased the of the NBA, the of the NHL, and The Forum arena from for $67.5 million—the largest sports transaction in history at the time. The deal was financed through proceeds from Buss's empire, which he had built starting with a modest $1,000 in a West Los Angeles apartment building in 1959, along with complex property swaps—including the acquisition and exchange of New York City's . Buss personally owned the Lakers and Kings outright, paying $24 million in cash for them, while a group of investors, including longtime associate Frank Mariani, assumed $43.5 million in mortgages on The Forum and an accompanying 13,000-acre ranch in Kern County. These profits provided the financial foundation that enabled Buss to structure the multifaceted acquisition, involving 12 separate escrows and land exchanges across multiple states. From the outset, Buss approached sports ownership with a distinctive , viewing franchises not merely as athletic competitions but as businesses designed to captivate audiences through superior and enhanced fan experiences. He prioritized spectacle alongside victory, introducing elements like live bands, glamorous cheerleading squads such as the , and premium seating options to transform game nights into Hollywood-style events. This mindset, honed during his WTT tenure, aimed to maximize revenue and cultural impact, setting the Lakers and apart in an era when many teams focused solely on on-field performance. To execute his vision, Buss made strategic early hires in the front office, retaining as general manager for the Lakers—a role Sharman had held since 1977 under Cooke—and later promoting Lakers legend to executive vice president of basketball operations in 1982, where West would become instrumental in talent acquisition. These moves ensured experienced to align with Buss's entertainment-driven while building competitive rosters.

Los Angeles Lakers ownership

Acquisition and initial strategies

In May 1979, Jerry Buss completed the purchase of the from in a landmark $67.5 million deal that also included the Great Western Forum arena and the hockey team. The negotiation process began informally in 1977, with Buss persistently courting Cooke over more than a year, including during Cooke's proceedings, before formalizing the agreement in spring 1979. Although Buss was not the highest bidder in absolute dollar terms, he outmaneuvered competitors through a creative financing structure involving swaps—such as interests in the —and last-minute loans totaling $4 million from investors like Sam Nassi and , allowing him to close the transaction without full cash outlay. The Lakers portion was valued at approximately $16 million, with the remainder financed through Buss's holdings and partnerships, effectively assuming substantial debt on the properties to facilitate the tax-efficient exchange. Upon acquiring the franchise, Buss immediately focused on roster enhancements to build a competitive core, inheriting star center —who had been traded to the Lakers in 1975—and prioritizing the to select Michigan State standout Earvin "Magic" Johnson with the first overall pick. Johnson's arrival as a dynamic complemented Abdul-Jabbar's dominance, setting the foundation for an up-tempo playing style under new coach Jack McKinney, whose brief tenure ended due to injury before took over. These moves, combined with retaining key veterans like , transformed the Lakers into title contenders, culminating in their 1980 NBA Championship win. Buss revolutionized the Lakers' branding by infusing glamour into the fan experience, starting in his first season with a revamped entertainment focus that included ushering in a professional initially drawn from and UCLA pom-poms, evolving into the iconic by 1981-82. He also introduced premium seating options, such as high-priced courtside seats for celebrities and VIPs, positioning the Lakers as a cultural spectacle rather than just a sports team. At The Forum, Buss implemented innovative revenue strategies, including the addition of luxury boxes and suites that catered to corporate clients and affluent patrons, a novelty in NBA arenas at the time that significantly boosted non-ticket income. He further pioneered arena by selling sponsorship to Great Western Savings in 1988, but early enhancements like the Forum Club lounge enhanced exclusivity and ancillary spending. Under Buss's ownership, the Lakers achieved a rapid financial turnaround, shifting from operating losses inherited from the Cooke era to profitability within the first few years through aggressive ticket pricing—such as location-based premiums for floor seats—and expanded tied to the team's rising popularity. surged, with sellouts becoming routine, and these innovations and the on-court success amplified brand appeal.

Showtime era and championships

Under Jerry Buss's ownership, the Los Angeles Lakers entered their iconic "Showtime" era, characterized by fast-paced, entertaining basketball that emphasized transition play and showmanship, leading to five NBA championships between 1980 and 1988. Buss played a pivotal role by drafting Magic Johnson first overall in 1979, pairing him with incumbent star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to form the core of the dynasty. In 1981, Buss promoted assistant coach Pat Riley to head coach after firing Paul Westhead, a decision that fostered a close collaboration marked by strategic discussions and mutual respect, resulting in Riley guiding the team to four of those titles (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988). The 1980 championship came under Westhead, but Riley's tenure solidified the era's success, with the Lakers reaching eight Finals in 12 years. Buss's drafting and free-agent acumen further strengthened the roster, exemplified by selecting forward first overall in 1982, whose versatility complemented Johnson's playmaking and helped secure multiple titles. Later, in 1996, Jerry West—empowered by Buss—drafted 13th overall and signed free agent to a seven-year, $121 million contract, assembling the duo that powered a from 2000 to 2002 under coach , whom Buss hired in 1999 for his championship pedigree. These victories defeated the (2000), (2001), and New Jersey Nets (2002), marking the Lakers' first three consecutive championships since 1952-1954. Buss's commitment to winning extended into the 2000s, rehiring Jackson in 2005 after a brief retirement; this partnership yielded two more championships in 2009 and 2010, with Bryant earning Finals MVP honors both times alongside . Key decisions, such as trading O'Neal to in 2004 to prioritize the younger Bryant despite internal tensions, and navigating contract extensions like Bryant's seven-year, $136 million deal in 2004, underscored Buss's long-term vision. He also fired and rehired coaches strategically, including Riley's departure in 1990 after a contract dispute, ensuring alignment with winning goals. Beyond on-court success, Buss marketed the Lakers as Hollywood entertainment, introducing innovations like premium floor seats, the exclusive Forum Club, and the Laker Girls dance team to create a glamorous atmosphere at the Great Western Forum. This approach, blending celebrity sightings with high-energy games, elevated the NBA's national profile during the , turning Lakers matchups into must-see spectacles and contributing to the league's global expansion. Under Buss, the franchise amassed 10 championships overall, missing the only twice in 33 seasons.

Other ventures and interests

Additional sports teams

In addition to his iconic stewardship of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry Buss diversified his sports investments by acquiring the National Hockey League's Los Angeles Kings in 1979 as part of a $67.5 million package deal from Jack Kent Cooke that also included the Lakers and the Forum arena, with the Kings valued at $8 million in the transaction. Under Buss's ownership, the Kings played their home games at the Forum and achieved moderate success, including 99 points in the 1980-81 season, the team's best regular-season performance during his tenure, though they did not advance beyond the second round of the playoffs during his ownership. Buss sold his controlling interest in the Kings to film producer Bruce McNall in 1988 for approximately $20 million, allowing him to focus more intently on basketball while retaining a minority stake briefly before divesting fully. Buss further expanded his portfolio into women's professional basketball by founding the as one of the original franchises in the (WNBA) upon the league's inception in 1997, operating the team as a sister club to the Lakers with shared resources and facilities. The quickly emerged as a powerhouse under his guidance, capturing back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002, led by stars like and a roster emphasizing athleticism and defense that mirrored Buss's entertainment-driven philosophy for sports. These titles marked the ' early dominance in the league, with the 2001 victory in a 2-0 sweep of the finals against the and the 2002 championship in a 2-0 sweep against the . Buss sold the in 2006 to a group led by Kathy Goodman and , though the franchise continued to play at the Staples Center, which Buss had helped develop as a multi-team venue. Buss's broader interests in alternative sports included ownership of the in World Team Tennis from 1981 to 1993, where the team competed at the and won multiple league titles, reflecting his vision for integrating tennis into his entertainment ecosystem. He also ventured into by acquiring the Los Angeles Lazers of the Major Indoor Soccer League in 1982, owning the team from 1982 until it folded in 1989 amid league challenges, during which it drew solid crowds to the with high-scoring matches. These holdings underscored Buss's strategy of building a constellation of Los Angeles-based franchises to maximize venue utilization and fan engagement across disciplines.

Poker career and gambling pursuits

Jerry Buss developed a passion for poker in the early , becoming a regular participant in high-stakes and tournaments across and . His involvement in the game aligned with his affinity for calculated risks, often playing in private sessions that could last up to 36 hours with professional players. Buss favored structured variants like and limit hold'em, approaching the game with a disciplined, low-key style that emphasized strategic depth over aggressive bluffs. Buss's tournament career peaked with several notable finishes at prestigious events. He achieved his best World Series of Poker result in 1991, placing third in the $2,500 event for a prize of $33,250, marking one of his four career WSOP cashes spanning the through the . In , he secured second place in the Pro-Celebrity Invitational, a , earning $40,000 after a heads-up battle against professional . These accomplishments contributed to his lifetime earnings of approximately $172,490, though Buss was equally renowned for his prowess in untelevised where stakes frequently exceeded $100,000 per hand. Beyond competition, Buss's poker pursuits often intersected with his celebrity status, hosting and joining games featuring figures and pros like and . He appeared on televised shows such as and , where memorable hands—like a $150,000 showdown with Eli Elezra—highlighted his composure under . These experiences reinforced Buss's as a glamorous risk-taker, blending the thrill of with the world he cultivated in .

Personal life

Family dynamics

Jerry Buss married JoAnn Mueller in 1952 while both were students at the , and the couple relocated to the following year. They had five children together—Lee (born 1953, placed for adoption), Johnny (born 1956), Jim (born 1959), Jeanie (born 1961), and Janie (born 1964)—before divorcing in 1972 after 20 years of marriage. After the divorce, Buss fathered two more sons, Jesse (born 1988) and Joey (born 1990), with his girlfriend Karen . Buss's subsequent relationships, including a brief marriage to Hoff from 1972 to 1980 and various high-profile companions, contributed to a complex family structure marked by his well-documented . These dynamics occasionally strained familial ties, as Buss balanced his personal life with raising his children and involving them in his business empire. Several of Buss's children played key roles in the family businesses, particularly the . Daughter rose to become the team's executive vice president of business operations and, later, controlling owner, while son served as executive vice president of player personnel, overseeing basketball operations. Sons and Joey Buss held positions in scouting and minor league operations, respectively, and daughter Janie Buss managed the team's community relations and charitable efforts; son , however, pursued ventures outside the organization, including music production. In his , Buss placed his 66% controlling stake in the Lakers—valued at around $1 billion at the time—into four irrevocable trusts to ensure family control after his death. The assets were divided equally among his six children, with the trusts prohibiting piecemeal sales and requiring a majority vote (four of six siblings) for any full divestiture; his ex-wife JoAnn, who passed away in 2019, held a non-voting share but no decision-making power on team matters. Buss explicitly designated Jeanie as the controlling owner and governor in the trust documents, grooming her and for leadership roles years in advance. In 2018, the family learned of and reunited with Lee Klose, Jerry Buss's eldest child from his first marriage, who had been placed for adoption as an infant and was previously unknown to her siblings. She is not part of the trust. Family relationships faced significant strains following Buss's death in 2013, particularly over succession and control of the Lakers amid the team's on-court struggles. Tensions escalated between Jeanie and her brothers and , who in 2017 attempted to remove her from the board of governors through a proposed , violating terms that obligated trustees to support her . This led to a filed by Jeanie, resulting in a court ruling that affirmed her lifelong role as controlling owner and prompted 's resignation as co-trustee, with Janie stepping in; Joey and sided with Jeanie throughout the dispute. The conflict highlighted underlying frictions from Buss's multiple relationships and the challenges of blending personal legacies with business governance.

Lifestyle and social circle

Buss cultivated a high-profile image throughout his ownership of the , often appearing courtside with attractive younger companions that drew both admiration and criticism from the sports world. Former Lakers coach once remarked on Buss's preference for women "none of them over twenty-five," highlighting his reputation for dating much younger partners who accompanied him to games and events. Players like publicly expressed disapproval, urging Buss in 2005 to "hang out with 60-year-olds, not 20-year-olds" due to the significant age gaps in his relationships. This lifestyle aligned with his self-described philosophy of living freely, as his daughter compared him to , noting that he "does exactly what he wants." In the 1980s, Buss elevated his social presence by purchasing the legendary mansion in Beverly Hills for $5.4 million in 1980, transforming it into a venue for extravagant parties that blended glamour with sports royalty. These gatherings, held through the mid-1980s, attracted celebrities, politicians like , and athletes such as , solidifying Buss's status as a key figure in ' entertainment elite. He hosted team celebrations and charity benefits there, including a 1987 Lakers gathering to announce Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's contract extension, before selling the 42-room estate in 1988 for $6.675 million to singer and her husband. The mansion's opulent events exemplified Buss's flair for showmanship, influencing his approach to Lakers branding and marketing. Buss surrounded himself with a tight-knit of , business advisors, and Hollywood connections that shaped his ventures, often including his lifelong companion Bob Steiner during outings to Dodgers games and poker sessions. This circle of minor celebrities and professionals provided counsel on deals and entertainment strategies, fostering Buss's integration into LA's cultural scene. He frequently attended Lakers games with these companions, enjoying the spectacle from prime seats, and participated in high-stakes poker games—sometimes lasting 36 hours—with members of his group, such as professional players and Ali Eslami. Buss's indulgent habits took a toll on his over time; he was a heavy smoker and drinker for decades, contributing to later mobility issues, including knee problems from extensive dancing at his parties. By his late 70s, he had achieved and shifted to more moderated pursuits like daytime poker, though the effects of his earlier lifestyle persisted. Former Lakers coach praised Buss's unapologetic approach, stating, "He lives absolutely the way he wants to, which very few people do."

Philanthropy and legacy

Charitable contributions

Jerry Buss demonstrated a strong commitment to throughout his life, particularly in advancing and supporting community initiatives. In 1992, he established the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, a dedicated to providing resources for underserved youth in areas such as , , and development. The foundation has since funded programs that promote academic success and physical well-being among young people in , reflecting Buss's emphasis on empowering the next generation. Buss's educational philanthropy extended to his alma maters, where he supported scholarship opportunities to foster scientific and academic pursuits. He provided resources for scholarships at the University of Wyoming, the institution that granted him his bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1953, helping students from similar modest backgrounds access higher education. Similarly, at the University of Southern California, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1957, Buss contributed to endowed scholarships in the sciences, motivated by his own career as a physical chemist. Additionally, he endowed the Magic Johnson Scholarship at Michigan State University. His scientific background underscored these efforts, as he sought to honor the disciplines that shaped his early professional path. A landmark contribution came in 2008, when Buss donated $7.5 million to USC's Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences to support the Department of Chemistry. This gift established the Jerry H. Buss Professorships for two endowed faculty chairs and created an endowed fund for chemistry students, enhancing and educational opportunities in the field. Through this and other donations, Buss aimed to build lasting infrastructure for scientific advancement at his graduate . Under Buss's ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers, the team actively participated in NBA Cares, the league's global social responsibility initiative launched in 2005, contributing to community outreach programs focused on education, youth and family development, and health. The Lakers, guided by Buss's vision, organized events and donations supporting Los Angeles-area hospitals and youth sports programs, including court renovations and equipment provisions for underprivileged communities. These efforts aligned with the Lakers Youth Foundation's mission, amplifying the impact of Buss's personal philanthropy on local health and athletic opportunities for children.

Posthumous impact and honors

Jerry Buss was diagnosed with metastatic sarcomatoid in the 15 months prior to his death, which ultimately led to . He passed away on February 18, 2013, at the age of 80 in . Following his death, a private invitation-only memorial service was held on February 21, 2013, at the Nokia Theatre in , attended by NBA luminaries including and . Johnson delivered an emotional tribute, describing Buss as a "father figure" who shaped his life and the Lakers' success, while Jackson reflected on Buss's visionary leadership in building championship teams. Upon Buss's passing, his succession plan placed daughter Jeanie Buss as the team's governor and president, overseeing business operations, while son Jim Buss served as executive vice president of basketball operations. Jim's role faced challenges amid the team's struggles, leading Jeanie to reassign him in 2017, consolidating her authority over both business and basketball decisions. In June 2025, the Buss family agreed to sell a majority controlling stake in the Lakers to Mark Walter, the Los Angeles Dodgers' owner who already held a minority interest, for a record $10 billion valuation, a deal that closed in October 2025 after NBA approval, while retaining approximately 15% ownership and ensuring Jeanie Buss's continued involvement in team leadership. Buss received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to basketball, including induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2010, where he was celebrated for elevating the sport's entertainment value during his Lakers ownership. He was also awarded a star on the in 2006 for his impact on sports and entertainment in . Posthumously, Buss's endures as a pioneer who transformed the NBA into a global entertainment powerhouse through innovative marketing, celebrity integration, and on-court excellence, exemplified by the Lakers' franchise value reaching $10 billion by 2025—the second-highest in the league.

References

  1. [1]
    Dr. Jerry Buss History | Los Angeles Lakers - NBA
    Feb 18, 2013 · Dr. Jerry Buss, the longtime patriarch of the Los Angeles Lakers and the greatest owner in this history of professional sports, passed away on February 18, ...Missing: key | Show results with:key
  2. [2]
    Jerry Buss dies at 80; Lakers owner brought 'Showtime' success to L.A.
    10 NBA titles in three-plus ...Missing: biography key facts
  3. [3]
    Jerry Buss Was the Owner Who Made the N.B.A. Cool Again
    Feb 18, 2013 · Jerry Buss, the former Lakers owner with 10 N.B.A. titles, recognized that basketball was entertainment. He was a visionary in the art of ...Missing: biography key
  4. [4]
    Jerry Buss, Lakers Owner and Innovator, Dies at 80
    Feb 18, 2013 · Gerald Hatten Buss was born on Jan. 27, 1933, in Salt Lake City but grew up in Kemmerer, Wyo., raised by his mother, Jessie, who was divorced ...Missing: Lydus age four oil fields
  5. [5]
    Who is Dr. Jerry Buss? Fast facts to know about Lakers owner before ...
    Aug 15, 2022 · He was raised by his mother, Jessie, who worked as a waitress. His father, Lydus, left the family when Jerry was an infant. (Jessie later ...
  6. [6]
    Dr. Jerry Buss, 80: The chemistry was right for Lakers owner
    ### Summary of Jerry Buss's Early Life and Background
  7. [7]
    Lakers icon Jerry Buss grew up in Kemmerer. But the town's done ...
    Oct 19, 2023 · He graduated with a bachelor's in chemistry in just two-and-a-half years while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. One of Buss' articles published in a ...Missing: degree | Show results with:degree
  8. [8]
    'Showtime' ringmaster - Los Angeles Times
    Feb 19, 2013 · His parents, Lydus and Jessie Buss, divorced when he was an infant. His mother struggled to make ends meet as a waitress in tiny Evanston ...
  9. [9]
    Lakers owner Jerry Buss dies - ESPN
    Feb 18, 2013 · Born in Salt Lake City, Gerald Hatten Buss was raised in poverty in Wyoming before improving his life through education. He attended USC for ...Missing: Jesse Lydus divorce Kemmerer oil fields
  10. [10]
    It was USC that made him Dr. Jerry Buss - Los Angeles Times
    Mar 3, 2013 · The University of Wyoming graduate earned a master's degree and then a PhD in physical chemistry from USC in 1957, becoming the Dr. Jerry Buss who made a ...Missing: biography facts
  11. [11]
    The Man Behind the Purple & Gold - USC Dornsife
    Apr 24, 2011 · Jerry Buss (Ph.D., chemistry, '57) is the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Photo by Ben Baker. ... Applying an innovative style of ownership and ...
  12. [12]
    A New Type of Owner in Sports Establishment - The New York Times
    May 30, 1979 · Much of Buss's early childhood was spent in Wyoming and California. He is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and received a master's degree ...Missing: PhD | Show results with:PhD
  13. [13]
    It's showtime - USC Athletics
    D. degree from USC by age 24. Before becoming a highly successful real estate developer, Buss was a professor in USC's department of chemistry in the 1960s and ...
  14. [14]
    Characterizing High-Energy-Density Propellants for Space ...
    In 1958 Benson and Buss [26] showed that it was possible to make a system of additivity rules to determine certain thermodynamic and physical properties of ...
  15. [15]
    Dr. Jerry Buss - Hall of Fame | Los Angeles Lakers - NBA
    Jun 29, 2011 · In 1959, he and several partners put $6,000 down to purchase an apartment building in West Los Angeles. visual representation of content. In ...
  16. [16]
    Dr. Jerry Buss, 80: The chemistry was right for Lakers owner
    Feb 18, 2013 · One of Buss' first jobs as a youngster was digging ditches for Cecil Brown, who became his stepfather. Brown owned a plumbing business and Buss ...Missing: childhood parents early
  17. [17]
    JERRY IS NEVER BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL - Sports Illustrated Vault
    Jun 18, 1979 · He graduated with a degree in chemistry in 2½ years when he was only 19. So impressive were his grades that he was offered scholarships at ...Missing: PhD | Show results with:PhD
  18. [18]
    Too Big for His Need : Jerry Buss Puts Fabled Pickfair on Sale
    Feb 23, 1986 · Jerry Buss, who bought the honeymoon home of actor Douglas Fairbanks and actress Mary Pickford 5 1/2 years ago for about $5.4 million, has ...Missing: acquisition | Show results with:acquisition
  19. [19]
    How Did Jerry Buss Buy the Los Angeles Lakers? Just Ask Property ...
    Nov 14, 2023 · Taylor was interested, but Buss' properties needed some work. The buildings weren't in great shape and had burned-out lightbulbs, tired ...Missing: formation 1960s
  20. [20]
    Los Angeles Strings (1974-1978) - Fun While It Lasted
    Apr 1, 2011 · Jerry Buss got involved with the league at its inception in 1974, backing the Los Angeles Strings franchise. The following year, 34-year old ...
  21. [21]
    How Jerry Buss came to own the Lakers, the Kings and the Forum
    Mar 2, 2013 · The onetime chemist, now wealthy from the real estate boom, wanted to purchase not only the Lakers but also the Forum and the Kings.Missing: formation 1960s
  22. [22]
    Alexander: Jerry Buss' ownership of the Lakers transformed the NBA
    Jun 21, 2025 · To facilitate the deal, Buss had to purchase the Chrysler Building ... With first Bill Sharman and then Jerry West procuring the talent ...
  23. [23]
    Jerry Buss: A true sports visionary - ESPN
    Feb 19, 2013 · He later earned a Ph.D in chemistry from USC, and was awarded an honorary doctorate in law from Wyoming in 2005. It was Buss' patience that ...Missing: background degree PhD<|control11|><|separator|>
  24. [24]
    Dr. Jerry Buss - Los Angeles Lakers - NBA
    As the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979 until he passed away in 2013, Dr. Jerry Buss oversaw one of the greatest stretches in sports and ...
  25. [25]
    Owners, GMs, and Coaches | Los Angeles Lakers Lakers - NBA
    Lakers Owners, GMs, and Coaches ; 1979-1980, Dr. Jerry Buss, Bill Sharman ; 1978-1979, Jack Kent Cooke, Bill Sharman ; 1977-1978, Jack Kent Cooke, Bill Sharman ...
  26. [26]
    Jerry West, the Los Angeles Lakers and a simmering 20-year feud
    Oct 15, 2024 · West said Buss specifically added that West would have the tickets for as long as the Buss family owned the team. Buss died in February 2013.
  27. [27]
    The Lakers Sale Was More than a Slam Dunk - Aptus Capital Advisors
    Jun 20, 2025 · The framing assumes Jerry Buss paid $67.5 million in cash and waited for the value to rise. In reality, he only put down about $16 million ...
  28. [28]
    A timeline of the Lakers' success (and challenges) under Buss family ...
    Jun 22, 2025 · Buss initially wanted Lakers legend (and NBA logo) Jerry West to accept the lead spot, but his refusal opened Riley's lane to lead “Showtime ...
  29. [29]
    1979-80 Season - All Things Lakers - Los Angeles Times
    During the off-season, owner Jack Kent Cooke sold the Lakers and the Great Western Forum to Jerry Buss for $67.5 million. ... Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his sixth ...
  30. [30]
    Lessons Learned from Jerry Buss - Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.
    Feb 21, 2013 · He introduced groundbreaking ideas to the NBA. The Laker girls, courtside seats, the Forum Club, corporate sponsorship of the Forum, and Magic ...
  31. [31]
    Lakers owner brought L.A. 'Showtime' success - Sportsnet
    Feb 18, 2013 · Buss suggested a real-estate swap to avoid capital gains taxes and wound up unloading the majority of his holdings. As part of the deal, he ...
  32. [32]
    Inside the Lakers' Kobe-Shaq dynasty: fistfights, battle lines ... - ESPN
    Sep 22, 2020 · On June 4, 2000, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal link up on an alley-oop jam to close out Portland in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals.Missing: peat | Show results with:peat
  33. [33]
    Jerry Buss: 'I love winning!' - ESPN
    Feb 18, 2013 · Jerry Buss, the longtime Lakers owner who passed away Monday. Buss was always in a better place. Perhaps other team owners would get an invitation to a party.Missing: biography key<|control11|><|separator|>
  34. [34]
    How Jerry Buss Brought Hollywood to the Lakers
    Feb 18, 2013 · Buss acquired the Lakers from Jack Kent Cooke in 1979 in a complicated $67 million deal involving cash and land swaps that valued the team at ...
  35. [35]
    Jerry Buss: Los Angeles Kings owner | CBC Sports
    Feb 19, 2013 · Buss bought the Lakers, Kings and the "Fabulous" Forum in Inglewood in 1979 from Jack Kent Cooke. Cooke, of course, grew up in Southern Ontario ...
  36. [36]
    The sale of the Los Angeles Kings by Jerry... - UPI Archives
    Feb 9, 1988 · Buss bought the team, along with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Forum, from Jack Kent Cooke in June 1979. The $67.5 million paid by Buss made ...<|separator|>
  37. [37]
    McNall Is Buying All of Kings From Buss - Los Angeles Times
    Jan 17, 1988 · Bruce McNall, who owns 49% of the Kings, has agreed to buy the remaining 51% from co-owner Jerry Buss and become sole owner of the National Hockey League team.
  38. [38]
    Dr. Jerry Buss Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame | Los Angeles Lakers
    Apr 5, 2010 · In addition to his role with the Lakers, Buss owned the Los Angeles Sparks ... championships (2001, 2002) under his leadership. The first NBA team ...
  39. [39]
    Retracing the Sparks' long road back to the top of the WNBA - ESPN
    Oct 16, 2016 · 1, 2001, the Sparks won their first title in a 2-0 sweep -- the WNBA Finals were best-of-three then -- with an 82-54 blowout of Charlotte. A ...
  40. [40]
    Jerry Buss Through the Years - Sports Illustrated
    Feb 18, 2013 · Buss, a 2010 inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, guided the Lakers to 10 NBA championships and 16 Finals appearances.
  41. [41]
    The Poker World Misses Jerry Buss Already - Jul 24, 2013
    Jul 24, 2013 · In 2005, for example, he won a $200 buy-in tournament that drew 457 people. The first-place prize was $33,820, which would be a lot for a poker ...
  42. [42]
    The Ringmaker | GQ
    May 26, 2010 · Buss formed an investment group. He wrote a single check for $1,000, then solicited contributions. At the start, all he sought was enough money ...
  43. [43]
    Jerry Buss -- World Series of Poker to Honor Legend with Tournament
    Feb 18, 2013 · Buss playing his favorite game -- Seven Card Stud -- at the World Series of Poker." Buss died early this morning at an L.A. hospital ...
  44. [44]
    Jerry Buss - Hendon Mob Poker Database
    Jerry Buss' Results, Stats, Bio, Gallery & Pictures ... 42nd World Series of Poker - WSOP 2011, Las Vegas, 25th, $ 6,214. 25-Jan-2011 ...
  45. [45]
    WPT Invitational - World Poker Tour
    Jerry Buss. $40,000. 700 pts. $40,000. 700 pts. 3. David Chiu. David Chiu. $20,000. 600 pts. $20,000. 600 pts. 4. Men ...Missing: freeroll | Show results with:freeroll
  46. [46]
    The World Poker Tour Remembers Dr. Jerry Buss - PokerNews
    Feb 26, 2013 · "Buss was an avid poker player, friend, fan and a regular on the California poker scene since the early '80s. He placed third in the 1991 World ...
  47. [47]
    VIDEO: The Poker World and Kobe Bryant Remember Dr. Jerry Buss
    Jun 13, 2013 · Buss was a regular at the World Series of Poker, and regularly played the biggest games with the best professional poker players in the world.Missing: anecdotes | Show results with:anecdotes
  48. [48]
    Los Angeles Lakers Owner $150,000 Poker Hand | High Stakes Poker
    Mar 24, 2020 · Legendary Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss loved to play poker and on this exclusive clip he squares off against Eli Elezra in two ...
  49. [49]
    JoAnn Buss, former wife of Lakers owner Jerry Buss, dies at 86
    Dec 16, 2019 · She was 86. JoAnn Buss was the wife of the late Lakers owner Jerry Buss, until the couple divorced in 1972.
  50. [50]
    All in the Family - Los Angeles Times
    Sep 16, 2014 · Buss had four kids with ex-wife JoAnn: Johnny (52), Jim (49), Jeanie (47) and Janie (45). Later. he had two with now ex-girlfriend Karen Demel: ...
  51. [51]
    How did the Lakers get here? The inside story of the Buss drama
    Mar 8, 2017 · When Jeanie Buss decided to replace her brother Jim with someone new to remake the Lakers, she used poker lessons from her father as guidance.
  52. [52]
    Inside Jeanie Buss' Lakers takeover - ESPN
    Apr 11, 2017 · Jerry Buss, had passed down to his six children. She'd made the decisive choice between family and franchise that he'd never been able to.Missing: disputes succession strains
  53. [53]
    Trust Ensures That Jerry Buss' Family Will Hold onto Lakers
    Feb 19, 2013 · The trust stipulates that the ownership, now held by his ex-wife and six children, cannot be divided and sold off in pieces.
  54. [54]
    Former Lakers Coach reveals Jerry Buss's playboy lifestyle
    Aug 28, 2024 · Jerry married his second wife, Veronica Hoff, in 1972 while allegedly still married to JoAnn. After acquiring the Lakers in 1979, he fully ...Missing: Joanne date
  55. [55]
    Shaq slammed Jerry Buss for dating younger women in 2005
    May 10, 2025 · Shaquille O'Neal slammed Jerry Buss for dating women decades younger than him: "Hang out with 60-year-olds, not 20-year-olds."
  56. [56]
    Abdul-Jabbar Signs, Will Play Two More Years - Los Angeles Times
    Jun 17, 1987 · When owner Jerry Buss gathered the Lakers for a team party at his Pickfair mansion Tuesday night, he gave them more than a good time.
  57. [57]
    Pickfair Getting New Celebrity Owners - Los Angeles Times
    Jan 10, 1988 · Jerry Buss, who bought the Beverly Hills home in a 1980 probate hearing for $5.4 million, is selling the 3.1-acre property for just under $7 ...
  58. [58]
    Dodgers affected by Jerry Buss like no other non-NBA team
    Feb 18, 2013 · Buss -- with his current girlfriend and a small entourage that would usually include his lifelong friend, Bob Steiner -- would sit and drink ...
  59. [59]
    Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation
    Background. Established in 1992 in CA. Hide. Established in 1992 in CA. Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation. Company-sponsored foundations. EIN. 95-4372410 ...
  60. [60]
    A Slam Dunk - USC Dornsife - University of Southern California
    a $1,000 investment in a West Los Angeles ... Ultimately, Buss was able to parlay this investment into assets ...Missing: Aztecs | Show results with:Aztecs
  61. [61]
    Jerry Buss Cause of Death -- Prostate Cancer Led to Kidney Failure
    Feb 26, 2013 · According to the doc, Buss suffered from metastatic sarcomatoid prostate cancer in the 15 months leading to his death on February 18th. The ...Missing: diagnosis 2006
  62. [62]
    Lakers owner Jerry Buss buried - ESPN
    Feb 22, 2013 · An invitation-only memorial service was held Thursday, with basketball greats like Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Shaquille O'Neal and Phil Jackson ...
  63. [63]
    Lakers Owner Jerry Buss Remembered as 'Iconic,' 'Father Figure' at ...
    Feb 21, 2013 · Lakers Owner Jerry Buss Remembered as 'Iconic,' 'Father Figure' at Memorial Service ... The final speaker was Magic Johnson, who called Buss “a ...
  64. [64]
    Lakers' Jeanie Buss talks steps that led to brother Jim's removal
    May 26, 2020 · Jeanie Buss would be the team's governor, and his son Jim Buss would run basketball operations. If there was an issue, Jeanie had the ultimate power.
  65. [65]
    Buss family to sell Lakers to Mark Walter for $10B valuation - ESPN
    Jun 18, 2025 · The Lakers have been owned by the Buss family since 1979, when Jerry Buss purchased the franchise from Jack Kent Cooke in a $67.5 million ...
  66. [66]
    Jerry Buss - The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
    34 YEARS AS OWNER OF THE L.A. LAKERS ; 5 NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS ; 3 BACK TO BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONSHIPS ; 2 WNBA CHAMPIONSHIPS L.A. SPARKS, 2001, 2002 ; 2 TERMS AS ...
  67. [67]
    Jerry Buss - Hollywood Walk of Fame
    Buss started as a chemist for the Bureau of Mines ; he then briefly worked in the aerospace industry and was on the faculty of USC's chemistry department.Missing: professor | Show results with:professor
  68. [68]
    Warriors top Lakers, Knicks as NBA's most valuable team in 2025
    Oct 16, 2025 · NBA franchise valuations 2025: How much is every team worth? Golden State Warriors: $11.33 billion; Los Angeles Lakers: $10 billion; New York ...