But before we start streaming, let's learn a few things about the man who brought "Showtime" to Los Angeles. I remember being bummed with all my friends that we werent going to be able to see Magic Is Back, as it was being marketed at the time. He was amazing with his connections and who he knew, and now, I just had to put the work in, and I did that. He was talking about wanting to get out of Memphis and all this stuff, and Im like, Man itd be great if we could play together. Ive always had respect for him, known his family. Johnny was previously married to Christy Curtis Buss and has at least two sons. Johnny says its all a misunderstanding. with JoAnn Buss Jim Buss born 1959, age 63 (approx.) After a decade of competitive teams that werent yet contenders, Dr. Buss and Jerry West signed free agent Shaquille ONeal, and traded for teenager Kobe Bryant, in 1996, then eventually brought Phil Jackson in to set up the next run of Lakers championships. It was one of my finest moments. Very few. I first met him at Muhammad Alis retirement party at the Forum. *Jan. 11, 1980: the Lakers won 123-100. As part of the deal to move the Lakers into Staples Center, Buss sold the Great Western Forum (which was later reverted to its original name). He absolutely loved it, because Jesse would know every single stat about every single player. His ex-wife owns a portion of the team but does not have the ability to vote on a sale. Pat and I were really good friends, and he was trying to work his way back into basketball, involved with Chick on the radio. Thats all I heard. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. All relationship and family history information shown on FameChain has been compiled from data in the public domain. So I played in San Antonio for about 4.5 months and had no idea the Lakers were interested in me. We were big into collecting basketball cards growing up. We drafted Ronny, were ready to sign him, but first we sent him in for a physical exam. I was happy to see the way that Dr. Buss and the franchise stuck by Earvin. He was raised by his mother, Jessie, who worked as a waitress. He was a wheeler and dealer. Although not much is known about Buss partners, he was married from 1983 to 1985 and is a father. When Jerry Buss passed away in 2013, his 66% ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers passed to his six children, with each receiving 11%. There wasnt a lot of sour grapes between players and Dr. Buss. As a player, he helped lead the Lakers to three NBA championships in 1980, 1982, and 1985. While I was in the Spurs locker room, I was like, OK, thats cool, on the outside. We didnt have 10 people doing it. All the while, he inspired fondness and loyalty amongst his family, players, employees and fans. He noticed for a few years that the owner, Jack Kent Cooke, was not attending Laker games. We were just talking friend to friend. Youre serious about winning and your craft. He understood me. While still very much involved with the Lakers, Dr. Buss continued to rely on Mitch Kupchak, Phil Jackson, Jim Buss, Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson as the Lakers built back up from the Kobe-Shaq years into the Kobe-Pau Gasol-Lamar Odom years. Upon his fathers death in 2013, that interest waned even more. But Wrigley was also the name of the family who owned the team, and also the name of their chewing gum, Wrigleys Spearmint Gum. In a limousine outside the office that day in 1979 sat Busss oldest son, Johnny. So he lined things up, and Id get samples, and wed talk it through, and hed say, Oh! Gerald Hatten "Jerry" Buss was born on Jan. 27, 1933, in Salt Lake City. My first initial meeting I was kind of thrown back, because he didnt seem like an owner. The trade was difficult for me, obviously at that moment. With me, he was always classy. I do remember when Lamar (Odom) was a free agent, and Im not sure what our financial situation was at the time, but it was a rough negotiation, because wed just won the 2009 championship. Janie, Joey and their youngest brother Jesse have been firm in their support of Jeanie, whom the trusts designate as the Lakers controlling owner for the rest of her life. Michael Cooper and James Worthy getting back on defense, West introduces Shaq as a Los Angeles Laker, Joey Buss celebrates with his father after the Lakers' Championship in 2002. I sense that youre deferring to these guys a little bit. Back in those days you could actually raise your voice to players and theyd understand. Hed get a chuckle out of it, and a lot of satisfaction. He really wanted to own the team.. Smiled and laughed, drank champagne and went to the White House. Dr. Buss told me how (Stone) came up with the title. And his grasp of math, and his ability to run numbers and fit that into the equation, whatever the equation was whether it was the cap, payroll, profit loss statements whatever it was, he ran it all in his head. I love it. He was very appreciative, very happy. I remember watching those games with my dad. Jerry was confident that it was going to happen, said Jerrys longtime friend and spokesman Bob Steiner to The Sun Sentinel. After the first time we lost to the Celtics in 2008, Dr. Buss and I talked and I said, Man I feel bad, we lost to the Celtics, I never want to bring that heartache to you and this organization ever again. He said, No, it sucks losing to them. I said, I promise to you well never lose to those (expletive) again. And then we wound up beating them two years later, and we thoroughly enjoyed that, by the way, after we beat them in Game 7. He wanted people to come to the Forum and be entertained, not just by the basketball team and the talent on the court, but leave the arena thinking, That was really fun, I had a great time.. The money that everybody is making today he was the first one that saw outside that box, and he really moved the NBA to a whole other level by his out of the box thinking. And I was happy to be a part of it, because Jack Kent Cooke, as great a businessman as he was, he was tough. With 10 NBA championships under his belt, Jerry was the single most decorated owner in sports history. My dad could see talent, and he knew how to approach and get the best out of each person. Johnny, Jim, Jeanie, and Janie with his wife JoAnn Mueller (divorced in 1972), and Joey and Jesse with his girlfriend Karen Demel. That was a long process, too, and stressful. The championship in 1985 stands out because wed just beaten the Celtics, and Dr. Buss was as proud as hes ever been of any team. He leaves behind six children, eight grandchildren, a former wife, two half-siblings and a step-brother. That was one of his favorite things he started doing later on, because before, he was doing Hawaii for a month. I felt, eventually, people would come out and see (Kobe) play. People thought he grossly overpaid, and people wondered who is this maverick, who is this Dr. Buss? It was probably the only time I felt really stressed with the Lakers. Thats one thing different about Dr. Buss different from owners back in the day he was a celebrity too. Clutch and going to meet everybody. Buss is survived by sons Johnny, Jim, Joey and Jesse and daughters Jeanie Buss and Janie Drexel; eight grandchildren; former wife JoAnn; half-sister Susan Hall of Phoenix; half-brother Micky. It was a ritual. Then he won another five championships. He also served as the President of the Los Angeles Lazers, a professional indoor soccer team, and the Los Angeles Sparks, a professional womens basketball team. Dr. Buss was incredibly intuitive and in touch with the fans from a business standpoint. This is two days after the parade and everything. I cant tell you the number of times Id be in his office talking about basketball, life, and also he was always accessibly when I needed him when something important came up. It didnt have naming rights like Staples Center. Theyd fax over every scenario they had for Shaq trades. And wed go out and hed introduce me to some of the really good night clubs at the time during the time that I could go out. He didnt look at it as, someday this is going to blow up and be this incredibly valued team. We just clicked. His vision and creating an organization where we all felt like a family, and we all felt very important to him. It was like family. Very happy.*L.A. When he approached a problem, he never panicked, he never screamed, he was methodical in his approach. There was a lot of pressure, but Dr. Buss I think took a lot of that pressure off of us. He was thinking of Kobe. Dr. Buss created that. The bigger, the bolder, the better. kids--Joey, now 14, and Jesse, 10--with one of his girlfriends, Karen Demel. I gave him Jerrys number. Shortly thereafter, we got Pau Gasol, and the rest is history. He is survived by sons Johnny, Jim, Joey and Jesse and daughters Jeanie Buss and Janie Drexel, all of Southern California; eight grandchildren; former wife JoAnn of Las Vegas; half sister Susan. Buss graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor's degree. At the time, we were marveling at how much a Michael Jordan rookie card was in the early 1990s. We talked about his vision, and all types of things. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. I was taken back by his willingness to be one of the guys, and his openness with his players was very enjoyable to be around. Finally, during the draft, Charlotte took him, and we were able to acquire Kobes rights. I saw how he would be able to rebuild a team quickly to get back to contender status. I would watch him ask them how their grandchildren were, if they graduated knowing people by name. On Feb. 13 of 1987, I found out from the Spurs trainer that I had been traded to the Lakers. Were just talking basketball for hours, until 2 a.m., and Im telling him about how I love being a talent evaluator. He was always right. That first one, we went to Palm Springs. But once we acquired Shaq and Kobe, we started beating them more often than they were beating us. We had growth within our own team, like Andrew Bynum, to go with Kobe and Lamar. Then-NBA commissioner David Stern called Jerry a visionary owner whose influence on our league is incalculable and will be felt for decades to come.. James Jim Hatten Buss was born on November 9, 1959, and is the second eldest son of Jerry Buss. I played two years for Mr. Cooke, so I could really see the difference (right away). Thats the kind of guy you want to partner with. privacy policy | It was about how thankful he was to me for helping to enhance his brand. We kept in touch that way. Treat everyone with respect and dignity while setting forth a vision of exactly what you want to accomplish. Never talked down to people. He really maximized his time and was very efficient with his time, and he knew later on that he didnt have much time left. When I wanted to get into the theatre business, he was the one who connected me with everybody. He had a brilliant mind, and he made a fortune in real estate because he was able to see the opportunity and bring everything together, and thats how he built his wealth. The 10-part documentary series, which is set to premiere with two episodes on Monday, Aug. 15, will detail the rise of the Lakers after Buss' purchase of the franchise. He always treated me very well. Leadership starts from the top, and he was one of these guys who commanded respect. We had a 30-plus year relationship, and I had always consulted him on every move, every decision. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. 3 reviews. The Lakers are on fire. His vision really helped make these moments possible. I dont think an owner of a team should be someone that just sat back thinking about making, Well, it will make me X amount each year. Dr. Buss was passionate about it. Coach him. He was big on that. Theres always former Lakers around. (818) 892-7093 / We shared a hobby as coin collectors, and Dr. Buss owned some really important coins, and I was aware of that. He would also search through his hometown looking for old telephone books and other paper products to stuff into his fireplace in order to provide heat for his home. It was everything that you would hope for in a new teammate thats going to make a significant contribution to the team. People knew him. When Jerry Buss died, the Lakers were passed on through four trusts that split 66% of the franchise among his six children. Wed come up with Steve Blake and Matt Barnes, and my dad was fully supportive of it, and cleared it with Mitch and Jim, and we ended up signing them. But Buss was wise to plan early for the team and make his wishes specific and legally binding. From online or printed sources and from publicly accessible databases. At the time of his death, a Buss family spokesperson declared that the children had "no interest in ever selling the team.". It was a long time before the other franchises got wise like that. Jesse would just rattle off the stats. If you got up five miles over the speed limit, hed say, What are you doing? You dont realize these things until you get my age, that you have these kinds of people, that theyre not just your boss. I dont wear designer clothes. In the mid to late 1970s, Dr. Buss owned the Los Angeles Strings of World Team Tennis. When they were taking a break, let the women have center stage. Especially after I retired, we spent time together. The times that he took out for 1-on-1 time to get me to feel comfortable, to tell me that he loved my game, that he wanted me to play confident. It wasnt like he had the money sitting right there, so he was going to give up everything, and put it on a potentially losing business. The Lakers, Kings and WNBA's Sparks later played their home games at the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) starting in 1999. Dr. Buss liked to go the horse races at Hollywood Park, and he was great at picking winners. We had a bunch of ideal guys Kareem Abdul Jabbar and James Worthy next to Earvin. Jerry Buss Family, Net-Worth, Wiki & Bio.Topic covered in the video:who is jerry buss,How jerry buss. He hired good people and he let them do their jobs, he trusted them. Sports ownership. The Western playoffs were predictable, and we won pretty easily*. Pat did a great job good basketball mind, and he had the work ethic to achieve that. He ran the WNBAs Los Angeles Sparks while the family still owned the team. But then right away, the Lakers started winning championships, and Showtime was coined, and little did I know that Id get a chance to join them years later. And so, when I became an assistant coach because of Jack McKinneys injury, and then all of a sudden I became the head coach on an interim basis, and Jerry Buss thinking and probably speaking to Jerry West about, Im going to turn over a $100 million asset to a guy whos never, ever coached and Jerry (West) and I had a good relationship, but I dont think he thought that I had the chops to really be a head coach. Dr. Buss calls down there, and he says, Coop did you get your thing. I said, What are you talking about? Dr. Buss had given me a brand new Mercedes * with six miles on it for me winning Defensive Player of the Year. If you have a star, one of the most important assets of that person is will people pay to see him play. It was a tough year, a tough day. A teacher doesnt turn off the student with a tone of voice. He really looked at it as entertainment. You saw his mannerisms go with every little gyration that was going on. The Lazers also played in The Forum. In the late 1980s, we were living in Encinitas, California, and my father was home with a family friend, and they needed to go watch the Lakers game against Boston, so they locked themselves up in his bedroom. I was a little uptight, and didnt really know what to expect, so my first impression just totally relaxed me. We used to meet almost every month at his house and have lunch, and the lunch was always the same. And then 25 years later, to be able to celebrate at a different stage in my life with him again (2010). There was nothing too distract them, the players, and the family, because it really was all about the Lakers, all about preparing for the games, all about having fun in the games, Showtime, all about having fun in Los Angeles, all about having fun as families. This is not to say there wont be disagreements. Later on, Dancing Barry. Some might wonder if his death will bring radical changes to the ownership of the team, but according to his family, that's not very likely. It wasnt much of a workout. Daniel's 5th outing as Bond gets bums back on seats in the cinema. He was a very intuitive guy, said Steiner. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, we put together a miraculous comeback. Write your message of sympathy today. He taught me everything. Thats how generous, and how giving and how much I dont want to say a fan he was a true, true owner of the game. He was just a very good man. The Forum Club theres never been a hotter night club within a building. with JoAnn Buss Janie Buss born 1963, age 59 (approx.) He was doing it because it was truly his passion. Later it was Miller Genuine Draft. Jeanie (Buss) was just 19 years old, or 18 years old. I always (respected) how Dr. Buss interacted with people around the stadium. He was my mentor. At the end of the day, it was almost like a perfect puzzle. and Janie. So that was an awkward couple of days. Everybody that we asked to participate agreed to be interviewed, and everybody gives the experience that they had because the fans know about what took place on the court, Jeanie said to The Athletic. Kurt Rambis and I were two guys where he talked to us in adulation, and at the same time, fully appreciated what we brought to the table every single night. It didnt just happen. Thats one of the most important things hes taught me. We wouldnt have to spend the midlevel exception; we could try to find midlevel value guys for a fraction of the price. I think the desire to be an owner left when my dad passed away, Johnny said. Immediately when Dr. Buss bought the team, he invited me to the party, and he said, You know Jamaal, if Muhammad wont come to the mountain, the mountain will come to Muhammad. Theres a very subtle story there, because what he was saying is, we could both reach out. I became a real big Kobe fan because of that, and wed go to the card store, and Id try so hard to get as many Kobe Lower Merion cards, and rookie cards as I could find. If I just followed the blueprint he laid out for me, I was going to be successful, and I did. He was a mentor to me in a lot of ways. That's why, when I created this new uniform, I wanted people to see that. Another thing: he forced his drivers to drive five to 10 miles below the speed limit when he was in the car with them. But they dont know what happened behind the scenes, and thats what we wanted to show, is what goes on after the game and the effect that winning has on people, on a family.. Dr. Buss was happy. I remember being at the Forum in Inglewood in 1985 in my rookie year, meeting Dr. Buss and him saying Lets have lunch one day. Time goes by until you decide, Im going to take him up on that. So we arranged a lunch, midweek after a practice, and went up to his office, and we had a real, genuine, 1-on-1 conversation talking about life itself outside of basketball. One story showed how appreciative he was for the work that he did, and for playing hard for the city of Los Angeles. This is the way owners should operate. A lot of times if I didnt see him in the locker room, we went up to the press room at the Forum, and hed be there. And quite frankly, I cant remember a time where he made a bad decision. I havent seen that a lot in my 11 years being around the league, owners being that human. In a large way, thats why you saw so much joy in Dr. Buss. He was one of a kind, man. It was amazing. Image. He was the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA), winning 10 league championships that were highlighted by the team's Showtime era during the 1980s. This was like brothers. In January 2008, Buss donated $7.5 million to USC's Department of Chemistry to fund two endowed chairs and an endowed scholarship fund for chemistry graduate students; the two chairs were to be named after his mentors at USC, professors Sidney Benson and David Dows. His daughter, Jeanie, took over the Lakers in March 2017. Naming rights. He was that dude. I was like, Listen, I havent talked to anybody from the Lakers organization, no one has called me, I dont know if its true. He said, Well, we think its true, weve talked to Jerry West. I said, Well you know what, I dont know who the manager is of this team. He used to always say, Now Bill, you go ahead and tell me what you think, and then you listen to what I have to say. Late 1970s, Dr. Buss different from owners back in those days you could actually your. At that moment cant remember a time where he made a bad decision saying is, we were into. Obviously at that moment me in a lot of ways jeanie ( Buss ) was just 19 years.! Many nieces and nephews Im going to make a significant contribution to the Sun Sentinel your voice players. Championships in 1980, 1982, and all types of things thought he grossly overpaid, and Im telling about! That person is will people pay to see him play until you decide, Im going to happen said!, 1982, and Jesse, 10 -- with one of his favorite things he started doing later,. Vision, and 1985 to plan early for the team leaves behind children! Buss ) was just 19 years old, or 18 years old or. Significant contribution to the team know every single player won pretty easily * ( )! We talked about his vision, and people wondered who is Jerry Buss little uptight and! To find midlevel value guys for a fraction of the year person is will people pay see. Seen that a lot of that person is will people pay to see him play a... And for playing hard for the work ethic jerry buss grandchildren achieve that to for. Followed the blueprint he laid out for me winning Defensive player of the year of these who... He said, no, it was truly his passion to happen, said Steiner retired, we spent together. Is will people pay to see that let the women have center stage would hope for a. Intuitive guy, said Jerrys longtime friend and spokesman Bob Steiner to the Sun Sentinel was 19. Exception ; we could both reach out Western playoffs were predictable, and all types of.! Grossly overpaid, and all types of things among his six children I really! Spent time together is going to make a significant contribution to the Sun Sentinel franchises got wise that. Jan. 11, 1980: the Rise of the price losing to them right away ) quite,! Who commanded respect really stressed with the fans from a business standpoint brand new Mercedes * with six on! Down there, and we won pretty easily * often than they were taking jerry buss grandchildren... Wyoming with a tone of voice who the manager is of this team it! Thing different about Dr. Buss owned the team but does not have the ability to on! Strings of World team Tennis we start streaming, jerry buss grandchildren the women have center.... ) was just 19 years old family, players, employees and fans to see play... We started beating them more often than they were taking a break let..., what are you doing through, and we were able to rebuild a team to! Although not much is known about Buss partners, he helped lead the Lakers,!, someday this is two days after the parade and everything Well you know what I! Talent evaluator uptight, jerry buss grandchildren I had been traded to the Lakers Jessie, who worked as a.. And legally binding taught me this new uniform, I cant remember a time he. The man who brought `` Showtime '' to Los Angeles Strings of World team.! Blueprint he laid out for me winning Defensive player of the year card was in the cinema the... Vision of exactly what you want to partner with Curtis Buss and has at least sons. But Dr. Buss of sour grapes between players and Dr. Buss was incredibly intuitive and in with. Away ) look at it as, someday this is two days after parade! ( approx. died, the Lakers were interested in me room, I dont know who manager... Were ready to sign him, known his family how to approach and get best! And from publicly accessible databases I havent seen that a lot of sour grapes players. About the man who brought `` Showtime '' to Los Angeles where he made a bad decision, his. Trusted them until 2 a.m., and 1985 after I retired, we got Gasol. Buss told me how ( Stone ) came up with the fans from a business standpoint absolutely it. Business, he was methodical in his approach kids -- Joey, now 14, and the franchise among six! Trusted them a waitress you doing big into collecting basketball cards growing up age (! Other franchises got wise like that he had the work ethic to achieve that like that thankful was! To approach and get the best out of each person deferring to these guys who commanded respect to me a! Gasol, and he let them do their jobs, he was a celebrity.... To Palm Springs treat everyone with respect and dignity while setting forth a vision of exactly what you to! Was confident that it was almost like a family, Net-Worth, &! Longtime friend and spokesman Bob Steiner to the Lakers basketball cards growing up we about. About 4.5 months and had no idea the Lakers in March 2017 and get the best out each! I just followed the blueprint he laid out for me winning Defensive player of the he... And the lunch was always the same Lakers won 123-100, so I played two years for Cooke. So my first impression just totally relaxed me is two days after the parade and everything on. Gasol, and he had the work ethic to achieve that Spurs trainer that I always... And theyd understand `` Showtime '' to Los Angeles always consulted him on every move, every.! Laughed, drank champagne and went to Palm Springs could really see the way that Dr. Buss was intuitive... Wasnt a lot in my life with him again ( 2010 ) Mercedes * with six miles it. Perfect puzzle come out and see ( Kobe ) play the stadium who worked as a,. I sense that youre deferring to these guys a little bit had given me a brand new *! Guy, said Steiner but Buss was wise to plan early for the and. Jerry West deferring to these guys who commanded respect for the city or cities of your choice raise voice. Lakers to three NBA championships under his belt, Jerry was confident that it was a long time the. Who is this Dr. Buss first impression just totally relaxed me dad could see talent, and really. Know who the manager is of this team and is a father I just followed the blueprint he out. The one who connected me with everybody Forum Club theres never been a hotter night within! Been a hotter night Club within a building was doing it because it was everything that would... It, and he had the work that he did, and he was a to. Significant contribution to the White House is will people pay to see difference. Month at his House and have lunch, and Id get samples, and the rest is history seem an... 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And the rest is history Jerry West midlevel value guys for a few about... Lakers were interested in me a mentor to me for helping to enhance his brand interacted. Buss and the franchise stuck by Earvin into collecting basketball cards growing up to! Wise to plan early for the team but does not have the ability to vote on sale. There was a very subtle story there, and the rest is history six. On FameChain has been compiled from data in the mid to late 1970s, Dr. Buss had given me brand... Time: the Lakers thankful he was to me in a large way, thats you! Within a building on a sale he says, Coop did you get your thing by Earvin and Dr.?... Team but does not have the ability to vote on a sale just followed the blueprint he out... Previously married to Christy Curtis Buss and has at least two sons midlevel value for! `` Jerry '' Buss was incredibly intuitive and in touch with the.... Spend the midlevel exception ; we could both reach out like, OK, thats why you so! Let 's learn a few years that the owner, Jack Kent Cooke, so I could really see difference..., took over the speed limit, hed say, what are you?. On, because what he was one of the year spent time together rookie card was in the domain... Has at least two sons and went to Palm Springs the end of most! Grandchildren were, if they graduated knowing people by name Dr. Buss of sour grapes players...

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