Showtime is over.
February 18, 2013 8:32 AM   Subscribe

 
I'd have expected Wikipedia to quickly tell me who the new owner is. (Jeanie?)

Is there a snag in the estate plan?
posted by surplus at 8:39 AM on February 18, 2013


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posted by drezdn at 8:46 AM on February 18, 2013


A gifted but undisciplined student, Jerry quickly became disenchanted with school. "At a relatively early age—14 or so—I discovered I was more intelligent, more creative and more competitive than the great bulk of people I ran into," he says. Rebelling, he spent long hours in a pool hall and at one point dropped out of school to work on the Union Pacific Railroad. A sympathetic chemistry teacher named Walt Garrett lured him back, staking him in pool games and quizzing him between shots on the chemical properties of rare metals. "If not for him," says Buss, "I'd have gone in a different direction. I would have become a pool hustler and probably a pimp. That's how I visualized myself at 17—smooth clothes and hair."

People Magazine Profile 1980
posted by Potomac Avenue at 8:51 AM on February 18, 2013 [1 favorite]


His acceptance speech to the HOF.

He was the first to sell naming rights to a stadium, show home games on cable, and give free courtside seats to stars. I agree with the sentiment that he was the Greatest NBA Owner of all time.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:09 AM on February 18, 2013


I'm going to paraphrase something Jack Nicholson said after Chick Hearn died: "The only thing that brings this city together are earthquakes and the Lakers." I don't think that happens without the Jerry Buss Lakers and I consider it a big part of his legacy.

Thank you, Dr. Buss.
posted by Room 641-A at 9:16 AM on February 18, 2013


He was a neighbourhood hero where I come from. He was a brilliant businessman, but more than that, he was a wonderful man. Thank you, Dr. Buss.
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posted by nickrussell at 9:22 AM on February 18, 2013


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I fear the Lakers haters are gonna get to see this team enter a long decline due to family infighting. Hope I'm wrong.
posted by twjordan at 9:45 AM on February 18, 2013


Fight on, Dr. Buss.
posted by Old Man McKay at 11:02 AM on February 18, 2013


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Never met the man but always liked his style. RIP, Doctor.
posted by mosk at 11:25 AM on February 18, 2013


If anyone is interested, there's a great article on one of Buss's more shrewd investments - a 25-year contract for Magic Johnson worth $25 million.
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posted by antonymous at 4:37 PM on February 18, 2013 [1 favorite]


FYI it looks like Dr. Buss had a strong succession plan. The family trust owns 66% of the team and it would be difficult for individual family members to sell their piece. LINK
posted by surplus at 10:31 AM on February 19, 2013 [1 favorite]


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