Jerry West Era

Lore & Background

Buss purchased the Lakers, the Los Angeles Kings, The Forum, and a 13,000-acre ranch from Jack Kent Cooke for $67.5 million in 1979. He inspired the Showtime era with his vision that basketball games must be entertaining. Buss also owned the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA and the Los Angeles Lazers of the Major Indoor Soccer League.

In Their Own Story

The air in the Forum was thick with tension, the kind that only exists when every breath counts. It was the 1972 Finals, and Jerry West stood at the free-throw line, the rim seemingly miles away under the blinding lights. The crowd held its collective breath, knowing this moment could define a career of near-misses. He dribbled once, twice, his eyes locked on the target with the intensity of a hawk spotting prey. As he released the ball, time seemed to suspend; the arc was perfect, the rotation true. With a hollow clang that echoed through the arena, the net snapped upward. In that split second, the 'Logo' wasn't just a player; he was destiny finally catching up.

Reader's Guide

Buss earned a PhD in physical chemistry from USC at age 24. He originally invested in real estate to supplement his teaching income. His first investment was $1,000 in a 14-unit apartment building in 1959. He later formed Mariani-Buss Associates with Frank Mariani. Buss also produced a movie titled Black Eye in 1974.

Did You Know?

• Buss was born in Salt Lake City and raised by his divorced mother, who worked as a waitress.
• He collected rare US coins, including a 1913 Liberty Head nickel, an 1894-S Barber dime, and an 1804 dollar.
• Buss donated $7.5 million to USC's Department of Chemistry in 2008.
• He was a high-stakes poker player, finishing third in a 1991 World Series of Poker event and second in a 2003 World Poker Tour event.
• Buss had seven children; six worked in the Lakers organization at the time of his death.