Dr. Jerry Buss, a renowned name in the world of basketball, was a man of many talents. He was not only a successful businessman and entrepreneur but also a loving father, a devoted husband, and a passionate sports enthusiast. He was born on January 27, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Buss was the son of a traveling salesman and a housewife, and his family moved frequently during his childhood.
Despite the frequent moves, Buss was an excellent student and excelled in academics. He attended the University of Wyoming, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in two and a half years. He then went on to complete his Master’s and Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the University of Southern California. However, Buss’s true passion lay in the field of real estate.
Buss started his career in real estate in the 1960s and quickly became a successful businessman. He made a fortune by investing in various properties and businesses, including apartment buildings, shopping centers, and movie theaters. Buss also had a keen interest in sports and became a major player in the sports industry in the 1970s.
In 1979, Buss made a bold move and purchased the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, along with the Los Angeles Kings hockey team and the Forum sports arena, for $67.5 million. This move proved to be a turning point in Buss’s life, and he went on to transform the Lakers into one of the most successful franchises in NBA history.
Under Buss’s leadership, the Lakers won ten NBA championships and made 16 NBA Finals appearances. He also brought in some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal. Buss’s innovative approach to running a sports franchise also included hiring the first-ever female general manager in NBA history, Jeanie Buss, who was his daughter.
Buss was a beloved figure in the NBA, known for his charismatic personality, sharp business acumen, and love for the game. He was also a philanthropist and supported numerous charities throughout his life. Sadly, Buss passed away on February 18, 2013, at the age of 80, due to complications from cancer.
In conclusion, Dr. Jerry Buss’s life story is an inspiring tale of a man who started from humble beginnings and achieved immense success through hard work, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. Buss’s legacy lives on in the NBA, and his impact on the sports industry will be felt for generations to come.
