Jerry Buss

Through education, perseverance, and a lot of hard work, Jerry Buss put himself in a position in 1979 to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers and establish a stronghold on West Coast basketball. In doing so, Buss has left his mark on the City of Angels and the game of basketball. Exercising leadership that brought together some of the greatest players in history, matching them with brilliant coaches, innovative management, and groundbreaking marketing, Buss helped set the ownership standard for NBA franchises. Under Buss, the Lakers have featured legendary players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant as well as Hall of Fame coaches Pat Riley and Phil Jackson. The Lakers became a mainstay in the NBA Finals in the 1980s appearing in eight championship series and winning five titles. The Los Angeles Sparks captured two WNBA titles under the Laker boss as well. Buss served two terms as President of the NBA Board of Governors and helped launch the groundbreaking Prime Ticket Network, a cable system that televised all Lakers home games.