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How Jerry Buss Built a Sports Empire with the L.A. Lakers
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mranleec
3 min read
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Jerry Buss, the visionary businessman and longtime owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, transformed the NBA franchise into a global sports powerhouse, winning 10 championships during his tenure from 1979 to 2013. Known for his innovative approach to sports entertainment and marketing, Buss was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 for his significant contributions to the game of basketball.
Humble Early Life in Wyoming
wyofile.com
Gerald Hatten "Jerry" Buss was born on January 27, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the Great Depression.
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Raised primarily by his mother, Jessie, who worked as a waitress, Buss experienced poverty firsthand in his early years.1
His family moved to Kemmerer, Wyoming, where he spent much of his childhood.3
Despite financial hardships, Buss developed a strong work ethic from a young age, waking up at 4:30 AM to dig ditches for his stepfather's plumbing business before school.1
This challenging upbringing instilled in him a drive for success and a desire for financial security that would shape his future endeavors as a businessman and sports franchise owner.3 sources
Breakthrough in Real Estate
reuters.com
Jerry Buss's breakthrough came after he earned his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from USC and briefly worked as an aerospace engineer. In 1959, he made a pivotal investment with four partners, purchasing a 14-unit apartment building in West Los Angeles for a $6,000 down payment
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. This initial real estate venture with his friend Frank Mariani laid the foundation for Mariani-Buss Associates, which would grow into a $350 million real estate empire over the next 18 years1
. Buss's success in real estate ultimately enabled his groundbreaking move to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million, setting the stage for his unparalleled legacy in sports ownership and entertainment2
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Jerry Buss as the Owner of Lakers (Photos)
wyofile.com
en.wikipedia.org
latimes.com
Filmography: Jerry Buss on Screen
Jerry Buss's influence extended beyond sports ownership into popular media, where he made several appearances as himself. Here is a table showcasing some of his notable on-screen appearances:
These appearances highlighted Buss's involvement in high-stakes poker tournaments and his role as the beloved owner of the Lakers franchise. His presence in media helped solidify his status as a worldwide celebrity in both the sports and entertainment industries.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | High Stakes Poker | Himself |
| 2008 | Poker After Dark | Himself |
| 2010 | 30 for 30: "Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks" | Himself |
| 2022 | Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers | Himself (archival footage) |
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Jerry Buss's Awards and Honors
Jerry Buss's contributions to basketball and his success as a businessman earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. Here is a table highlighting some of his most notable awards and honors:
Jerry Buss's unparalleled legacy in sports ownership and his contributions to basketball are reflected in these honors, which recognize his impact on the game, his business acumen, and his philanthropy. His induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame and the multiple championships won under his ownership underscore his significant influence on the sport and the Lakers franchise.
| Year | Award/Honor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted as a contributor 1 |
| 2006 | Hollywood Walk of Fame | Awarded a star for groundbreaking enterprise 2 |
| 1979-2013 | 10 NBA Championships | As owner of the Los Angeles Lakers 3 |
| 2001, 2002 | 2 WNBA Championships | As owner of the Los Angeles Sparks 1 |
| N/A | NBA Board of Governors | Served two terms as President 1 |
| 2008 | USC Department of Chemistry | Donated $7.5 million for endowed chairs and scholarships 3 |
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Jerry Buss's Interviews (Videos)
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Watch
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Jerry Buss's Personal Life
kareem.substack.com
The father of seven children, Buss was known for his playboy lifestyle and string of young girlfriends.
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His family played major roles in the Lakers organization, with six of his children working for the team at the time of his death in 2013.1
Buss was also an avid poker player, participating in high-stakes tournaments and appearing on televised poker shows.1
Despite his worldwide celebrity status as owner of the beloved Lakers franchise, Buss remained approachable and genuine, treating everyone he encountered with respect.2
His personal interests extended beyond sports, as evidenced by his $7.5 million donation to USC's Department of Chemistry in 2008, honoring the mentors from his days as a chemistry professor.1
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Closing Thoughts on Jerry Buss
Jerry Buss's legacy as the owner of the beloved Lakers sports franchise extends far beyond the 10 championships won under his leadership. From his humble beginnings in Kern County to his groundbreaking moves in the NBA, Buss's journey was marked by innovation and success. His vision brought together legendary players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Shaquille O'Neal, alongside coaches such as Pat Riley and Phil Jackson, creating a dynasty that dominated the NBA for decades
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. Buss's impact reached beyond basketball, influencing the entertainment industry through the creation of the Staples Center and his involvement in high-stakes poker tournaments1
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The chemistry professor turned real estate mogul transformed the Lakers into a worldwide celebrity brand, fostering lifelong bonds with players, coaches, and fans alike. His family, particularly his daughter Jeanie Buss, continues to play major roles in the organization, carrying on his unparalleled legacy4
. From his early investment with Frank Mariani to his final days overseeing the franchise, Jerry Buss's life story remains an inspiring tale of perseverance, vision, and the pursuit of excellence in both business and sports1
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