289 replies to this topic

[JasonWll]

Some people own sports franchises more as a business, a steppingstone to fame. But I own it mainly because I love it. It's a corny line, but they say, "When you bleed, you bleed for blue and gold." I was a Laker fan a long time before I was fortunate enough to own them. I have owned them for 27 years and I truly have loved every moment of it.

I went into it because I love the Lakers and when you love the Lakers, you want them to win so badly that you will work tirelessly ... tirelessly to make that happen, and essentially I think that's how we have been so successful.

RIP

[LALakersFan4Life]

Thoughts and prayers goes out to the entire Buss family, friends and the Lakers organization. R.I.P. Dr. Jerry Buss. You were the greatest owner in sports history. You will truly be missed.

[K-Kris]

it feels like we lost a close family member. Truly a sad day.

Edited by K-Kris, February 18, 2013 - 11:21 AM.

[-Wade-]

Rest In Peace, Dr. Jerry Buss. You have done so much for this organization, it will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything you have done.

[LALakersFan4Life]

Former Lakers Pay Their Respects To Dr. Buss

Tracy Murray ‏@RealTracyMurray

We met when I was 19. He was always good 2 my family. It was an honor 2 play 4 him. A class act, GREAT owner & GREAT person. #RIPDrJerryBuss

https://twitter.com/...542809846235136

James Worthy ‏@James_Worthy42

Condolences to the Buss family. Dr Buss was not only the greatest sports owner, but a true friend & just a really cool guy. Loved him dearly

https://twitter.com/...545122707095552

Cedric Ceballos ‏@cedceballos

Great friend, Boss and winner Dr. Jerry Buss iWill miss u, rest now....thanks 4 all u have done 4 me n my family.

https://twitter.com/...546882209234944

A.C. Green ‏@NBA_Ironman

What a visionary. What a leader. What a friend. Rest in peace Dr. Buss. #Lakers

https://twitter.com/...552088703639553

nick vanexel ‏@vanexel31

Rest in peace to the gr8est owner in all of sports. Dr.Jerry Buss. #NBA

https://twitter.com/...557175131914241

Mitch Richmond ‏@mitchrichmond23

I only had a chance to play for Mr. Buss for one year but met him years before that, and he was always 1st Class. LA has lost a Game Changer

https://twitter.com/...561584381407232

Mitch Richmond ‏@mitchrichmond23

when a person of influence pass away we all need to take time out to give thanks to the man upstairs for giving us the life we have.

https://twitter.com/...564694193598464

Mitch Richmond ‏@mitchrichmond23

RIP DR. BUSS

https://twitter.com/...565442910388224

Dennis Rodman ‏@dennisrodman

My thoughts and prayers are with the Buss family. Dr. Jerry Buss was like a Dad to me and is a tremendous loss to @Lakers fam. @JeanieBuss

https://twitter.com/...561921708298242

Matt Barnes ‏@Matt_Barnes22

Thoughts & prayers go out 2 the Buss family over the loss of Mr Jerry Buss. A try pioneer in professional sports, he set the standard for running a franchise.. He will truly be missed

https://twitter.com/...564585221365760

Gary Payton ‏@GaryPayton_20

Thoughts and prayers to Jerry Buss's family & friends….great man, great leader, born winner

https://twitter.com/...566245993783296

Joe Smith ‏@JoeBeast95

Just wanna take a minute 2 send my condolences 2 the #BussFamily & the @Lakers 4 the loss of #JerryBuss #R.I.P. #Yessiirr...

https://twitter.com/...567631292706816

SHAQ ‏@SHAQ

I'm deeply saddened over da loss of the great Dr. Jerry Buss. He was a dear friend, mentor,and brilliant business mind thank u 4 8 gr8 yrs

https://twitter.com/...572284197728256

Earvin Magic Johnson ‏@MagicJohnson

My thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends of Dr. Jerry Buss. He was a great man and an incredible friend.

https://twitter.com/...573077864894464

Kareem Rush ‏@KareemRush

RIP DR BUSS

https://twitter.com/...578953229168640

Farewell to Dr. Jerry Buss

Posted by Mark Madsen on 18/02/2013

I was sitting here in the Stanford Mens basketball office preparing for a coaches meeting when our Video Coordinator shared with me the news: Dr. Jerry Buss had just died of cancer in Los Angeles.

I had the great privilege of playing for Dr. Buss’ Lakers team from 2001-2003 and cannot say enough about the first class nature of the organization or of the loyalty of Dr. Buss. I will never forget after I had a major wrist surgery after my first year in Los Angeles Jerry Buss called me the next day on the phone. Jerry had a great way with people. He called to wish me a speedy recovery and then said, “At first I thought you had the surgery in June so you could get out of playing in the summer league.” We both laughed. I could barely catch or pass the ball with my left hand that first season. And in the triangle offense Phil Jackson literally had us practice left handed passes throughout the year in order to run the offense properly. But Dr. Buss’ comment did two things. It made me laugh (which I needed the day after surgery) and it made me also realize that he did care very much about role players competing in the summer league at Long Beach State. (Which I did the next year). He built his teams around superstars, but he cared about every single person on the team all the way down to the last man.

Another memory of Dr. Buss happened during the playoffs of my first year in LA. Rick Fox always planned a dinner together with the team at a happening location in the greater Los Angeles area which nearly almost had perfect attendance of the team. One time Rick planned a get together and an evening out in the Hollywood Area. I think I arrived at about 9pm and walked in and one of the first people I saw was Dr. Buss. He was there with a group of his friends enjoying the evening and I felt nervous because typically the dinners/evening were more of a players only event. I didn’t really know what to say to our owner. He just broke the ice and called me over, introduced me to his friends and made me feel 100% comfortable despite him being the owner of the World championship team.

The thing that sticks out to me most is the loyalty of Dr. Buss. Of all the organizations I’ve ever been part of whether a professional team, or any other entity, I have never seen more loyalty than with the Lakers. While Dr. Buss was owner, there were countless people who had been with the team for 25 years or more. From Bill Bertka (longtime coach), to Gary Vitti (Head Trainer), to our equipment manager Rudy Garciduenas, Jerry Buss had the philosophy, “If someone is doing a good job I am going to stick with them.” In an era when consultants (often rightfully so), need to come in and “clean house,” Jerry Buss showed us that there are other ways to do business that can also yield amazing results.

I just read the LA Times article talking about how Jerry Buss built the Lakers, his family life, and his career. I am grateful for the opportunity that he gave me and for the 3 great years with the Lakers. I wish all the best to the entire Buss Family during this difficult time.

http://www.markmadse...jerry-buss.html

[MadSci]

RIP Dr. Buss

[LALakersFan4Life]

Non-Lakers Pay Their Respects To Dr. Jerry Buss

LeBron James ‏@KingJames

#RIP Jerry Buss.

https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/303556330176798720

Kevin Durant ‏@KDTrey5

RIP to the legend Jerry Buss

https://twitter.com/KDTrey5/status/303582534300733440

Mark Jackson ‏@JacksonMark13

Thoughts and Prayers to the family, friends, and fans of Dr Buss! Basketball has lost a giant! God Bless

https://twitter.com/JacksonMark13/status/303542685191528448

Isiah Thomas ‏@iamisiahthomas

R.I.P Dr. Buss you were a giant in the industry, and was always there to help and give advice. Your kindness and spirit will be missed!

https://twitter.com/iamisiahthomas/status/303546789053726722

Carlos Boozer ‏@MisterCBooz

Prayers Go Out To The Buss Family... RIP Dr. Buss...

https://twitter.com/MisterCBooz/status/303554332580773888

Kevin Love ‏@kevinlove

Huge loss for the @nba and the basketball world. RIP Jerry Buss.

https://twitter.com/kevinlove/status/303550915527467009

Mario Chalmers ‏@mchalmers15

RIP Jerry Buss.

https://twitter.com/mchalmers15/status/303586309199519744

Daniel Gibson Sr. ‏@BooBysWorld1

R I P Dr. Buss.. The NBA lost a true pioneer. God Bless his family & friends & Fans. #Showtime

https://twitter.com/BooBysWorld1/status/303574756345671681

Roger Mason Jr ‏@MoneyMase

Sad day, RIP Dr. Buss. Prayers go out to the Buss Family! God Bless

https://twitter.com/MoneyMase/status/303569385564561408

Taj Gibson ‏@TajGibson22

R.I.P. Jerry Buss”

https://twitter.com/TajGibson22/status/303549873637191680

Nick Young ‏@NickSwagyPYoung

RIP Dr. The Legend Jerry Buss, one of the reason growing up in a LA was great, what you did for the Lakers & the NBA Is legendary.

https://twitter.com/NickSwagyPYoung/status/303547290805731328

Terrence Williams ‏@TheRealTWill

R.I.P LEGEND JERRY BUSS.......

https://twitter.com/TheRealTWill/status/303546323301437440

Mark Cuban ‏@mcuban

RIP Jerry Buss. Your encouragement and support along with your stories of staying true to yourself had an enormous impact on me.

https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/303544857123749888

Craig Smith ‏@Csmeezy1

RIP Jerry Buss

https://twitter.com/Csmeezy1/status/303542742926110720

Marshon S. Brooks ‏@Marshon2

Rest in Peace Jerry Buss

https://twitter.com/Marshon2/status/303542630946586625

Anthony Tolliver ‏@ATolliver44

Wow just heard that Jerry Buss died. Prayers go out to the Buss family.

https://twitter.com/ATolliver44/status/303539582107021312

Landry Fields ‏@landryfields

Wow.. Prayers go out to the Buss family!

https://twitter.com/landryfields/status/303538788032974848

Eric Gordon ‏@TheofficialEG10

R.I.P Jerry Buss

https://twitter.com/TheofficialEG10/status/303538552204042242

[Miggs]

News Conference at 12:00 noon
Stream Live
http://abclocal.go.c...enow?id=8997344
or
http://abclocal.go.c...enow?id=7085158

Edited by Miggs, February 18, 2013 - 11:42 AM.

[ggim125]

[manaro90]

rip

[NYCLakerfan]

hope his family is doing well, and it's good hes not suffering anymore he had a long successful life we should celebrate his accomplishments

[-Wade-]

[BasketballIQ]

Don't be shocked if we don't go crazy after the All-Star Break. Everything has changed now. NOTHING brings people together like death. Whether it's the front office, the star players, or the local media, it's different now.

Nothing is as serious as death. This will spark something on the floor. dr. buss' energy will flow through Staples. The Lakers will make the playoffs, and by the time the playoffs start, we will be equal if not better than the Thunder,Spurs and Clippers. Continuity might hurt us in the short run, but moving forward, we will be okay.

Jim,Jeanie,Joey and the rest will do as close to as what their father would do. Obviously this isn't the 80s and Jim isn't a playboy, but I think he will SPEND money on players and THATS the MOST important part, especially in the NBA.

Smart enough to go after CP3 and was willing to trade Pau after that poor playoff performance proved all I needed to see.

LAKERS 4 LIFE .

[Michaelyumm]

My goodness he made such a great impact look at the community and the people around the world acknowledging him!

Dr. Buss preparing showtime for us up stairs! RIP.

[NYCLakerfan]

Don't be shocked if we don't go crazy after the All-Star Break. Everything has changed now. NOTHING brings people together like death. Whether it's the front office, the star players, or the local media, it's different now.

Nothing is as serious as death. This will spark something on the floor. dr. buss' energy will flow through Staples. The Lakers will make the playoffs, and by the time the playoffs start, we will be equal if not better than the Thunder,Spurs and Clippers. Continuity might hurt us in the short run, but moving forward, we will be okay.

Jim,Jeanie,Joey and the rest will do as close to as what their father would do. Obviously this isn't the 80s and Jim isn't a playboy, but I think he will SPEND money on players and THATS the MOST important part, especially in the NBA.

Smart enough to go after CP3 and was willing to trade Pau after that poor playoff performance proved all I needed to see.

LAKERS 4 LIFE .

I doubt it but we can hope

Edited by NYCLakerfan, February 18, 2013 - 12:07 PM.

[Wilfred]

R.I.P Dr Buss. Lakers and NBA lost a leader today

[Massacre]

Jerry Buss was an icon. He was one of the first and most interactive owners in sports. I was listening to Magic this morning on Sportscenter and he shared a few stories about Buss that were really great. They had a special relationship.

Rest in peace to Dr. Buss and best wishes to his family.

I wonder how Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak will go about team related things this week. NBA trade deadline coming up

Good point. Anyone who doesn't know what the "death tax" is, should look it up.

[Gotrings?]

Jeanie Buss will continue to serve as president of business operations of the Lakers. She will also serve as the Laker's representative for the board of governor's and league meetings. Jimmy will take over the basketball side.

[LakersChamps243]

RIP Dr. Jerry Buss . There will NEVER be an owner greater than you. Thank you for everything. We will continue this unparalleled winning tradition you brought to us.

[massengale]

A PERSONAL FAREWELL TO DR. JERRY BUSS

There will be hundreds of eulogies and tributes to Lakers Owner Dr. Jerry Buss now that he has died. He deserves all the accolades and praise and then some. We will read about the accomplishments-- 16 NBA finals, 10 championships, “Showtime” , “ Shaq time” , “Kobe time” , and a legacy for all time.

I feel compelled to add my own thoughts about this man, since I was privileged to work with the Lakers organization for nearly two decades. First, at the country’s first regional network , Prime Ticket, of which he was part owner and founder, until my days at KCAL-TV as host of Lakers Television for 10 years.

Dr. Jerry was very humble. He was not a flamboyant owner. But he did guide the most flamboyant franchise in the history of sports. After all, this is Hollywood, and Hollywood loves its stars and most importantly, winners. He was a very cool guy. Buss personified Hollywood cool.

He did very few interviews. And when he did them during my tenure at KCAL-TV, I was the one who was given the assignment. What I found in those interviews was he had a very simple philosophy. Whatever it took to win, he was willing to do it. And Los Angeles loves him for it.

Once, back in the 90s, I was boarding a Southwest Airlines flight to Las Vegas where I was calling a championship fight one weekend. There sat Dr. Buss. I said, “No private plane?” He chuckled and said, “Why? That’s expensive.” This tells you a little bit about his “everyman” persona.

A few times, when I could afford the stakes, I would sit down with him at a blackjack table in Las Vegas, just to enjoy his company. We didn’t talk much, but he was so gracious it was just fun to be in his presence while throwing away a few black chips.

Two years ago, I invited him to a boxing show I was doing at a small theater up in Hollywood. He loved boxing. And we gave him a special booth for his group to sit in. He told me next time, he would like a seat right at ringside. In other words, he didn’t need that special booth. He would have rather had a seat right down there with the folks. But he had a great time none-the-less.

A few weeks later, I got an invite to sit in his sky box at a Lakers playoff game. He told me that I was part of the Lakers family and will always be part of the Lakers family. That is one of my proudest accomplishments.

Thank you Dr. Buss, for what you meant to me and millions of fans around the world. You set a standard of ownership that will never be topped. You are the definition of a “winner.”