Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss passed away at the age of 80 Monday morning. He was hospitalized last week with an undisclosed form of cancer.
Buss purchased the Lakers, along with the Los Angeles Kings in 1979. He later sold the NHL team, but maintained ownership of the Lakers until his death. Buss' Lakers brought 10 NBA Championships to Los Angeles in just over three decades.
Longtime Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss passed away today at 5:55am after a long illness. He was 80. #RIPDrBuss twitter.com/Lakers/status/…— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 18, 2013
Upon purchasing the team, Buss ushered in an era known as the Showtime Lakers. He encouraged the team to play an up-tempo style, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. To ensure the games were Hollywood-worthy entertainment, Buss hired dancers and a live band to perform at Lakers' home games at The Forum.
David Stern: "The NBA has lost a visionary owner whose influence on our league is incalculable & will be felt for decades to come."— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 18, 2013
The Showtime Lakers won five championships between 1979 and 1988. More recently, Buss' Lakers won another five championships led by Kobe Bryant and Coach Phil Jackson, who is engaged to Buss' daughter and successor, Jeanine Buss.
Throughout Monday morning, players, commentators and fans used Twitter to memorialize Buss. Here's a sample of what they had to say.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban remembered Buss as a mentor.
RIP Jerry Buss.Your encouragement and support along with your stories of staying true to yourself had an enormous impact on me.— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) February 18, 2013
James Worthy, who was a key member of the Showtime Lakers, remembered Buss as a friend.
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— James Worthy (@James_Worthy42) February 18, 2013
ESPN's Bonnie Bernstein remembered Buss as a great owner.
Jerry Buss wasn't just the greatest owner in NBA history. He was, arguably, the greatest owner in the history of pro sports. #RIP— Bonnie Bernstein (@BonnieBernstein) February 18, 2013
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea thanked Buss for all he had done for Laker fans like himself.
wow. thank you dr. jerry buss for all you have done to uplift los angeles, and give me untold joy. rest in peace— Flea (@flea333) February 18, 2013
Comedian Chris Rock remembered Buss as a cool guy.
Jerry Buss was so cool he should be in the rock and roll hall of fame . He will be missed.— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) February 18, 2013
Former NBA eccentric Dennis Rodman only spent a short time with the Lakers in 1999, but he still remembers Buss fondly.
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— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) February 18, 2013
Image via Wikimedia Commons, flipchip
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