Learn about the life and legacy of Jerry Buss, the legendary owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, on our comprehensive page. Discover the fascinating journey of this visionary entrepreneur, sports enthusiast, and influential figure in basketball history. Delve into his remarkable achievements, contributions to the sport, and his ongoing influence on the Lakers franchise.
Dr. Jerry Buss, full name Gerald Hatten Buss, was born on January 27, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the second of five children born to Ethel and Lydus Buss. Buss grew up in a modest household and showed an early interest in sports.
As a personal hobby and passion, Jerome, as he was known during his younger years, played poker and frequented poker games and tournaments, where he boasted his charismatic personality and competitive spirit.
Jerry Buss married JoAnn Mueller in 1955 and together they had four children: Johnny, Jim, Jeanie, and Janie. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce after 11 years. Buss later stated that his split with JoAnn might have been the most significant financial setback in his life.
Buss made a significant contribution to the world of professional sports. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Southern California (USC) after serving in the United States Army. However, rather than focusing on his chemistry career, Buss sought opportunities in real estate investments.
In 1979, Jerry Buss achieved one of his lifelong dreams when he purchased the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team of the NBA. Buss assumed ownership, pledging to bring Showtime to the Staples Center. His excellence in leadership allowed the Lakers to thrive, achieving multiple NBA championships during his time as owner, thanks to the presence of legendary players like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant.
Under his ownership, the Lakers became one of the most dominant franchises in the history of professional sports, with a dazzling style of playing that thrilled fans worldwide.
Buss' sharp business acumen and real estate investments led him to accumulate enormous wealth over his lifetime. In addition to owning the Lakers, he also purchased the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL, the Los Angeles Strings of World Team Tennis (which later became the Golden Gaters), and the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.
Jerry Buss, having a profound impact on the entertainment sport industry, became known as a billionaire. Thanks to his vast success in sports and investments, he accumulated a fortune in value through real estate and branding.
However, he did face some financial hurdles, notably the collapsing value of the Los Angeles real estate market in the early 1990s, causing him temporary struggles. Nevertheless, the Lakers franchise continued to grow and prosper, ensuring his financial well-being for the rest of his life.
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