DR. GERALD HATTEN BUSS
"Jerry" Buss died yesterday morning from kidney
failure at Cedar Sinai medical center with his
loved ones near him. A father of 6 children and
8 grandchildren, Jerry was born January 27, 1933.
He had just turned 80 years old but battled with
medical issues and cancer for the past 18 months.
He bought the NBA Lakers along with other investments
back in 1979 and also was a very gifted poker player.
He dabbled in real estate early on and made a fortune.
He bought the Mary Pickford mansion, and the womens
basketball league (Sparks) of which Kobe Bryants
Dad, Joe, used to coach. Good at numbers, he rec'd. masters
plus his doctorate degree while in his twenties, at USC.
He continued to be on USC board and donated
considerable monies to their chemistry dep't + students.
He was married for several years to Joann Mueller,
before their divorce in 1972. He was in shock in
learning that one of his favored NBA stars, "Magic"
Johnson, had to quit playing ball due to being HIV
Positive. One of NBA's greats, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar.
had a long standing friendship with Jerry and said
his goodbye's to him already last July. Our Kobe
Bryant worked on the Laker Team for Jerry 1/2 of
his entire life and Jerry West was interviewed last
eve. telling us of his great admiration and friendship
with Jerry. Hall of Famers along with many other players
including Coaches Pat Riley and Phil Jackson, offer
their sympathies to the family and remember Jerry
with such fondness as well as being personal, faithful friends.
Jerry bought the forum quite awhile back and even
had owned the Kings hockey team. His interests
were varied and well thought out to bring him his
dividends for a long lasting legacy for his entire family
(which, by the way) claim, they will continue working
with Lakers for the entire Buss clan. Jeanie Buss just recently
became engaged to former Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
Son, Jim Buss has already begun working in the Lakers
best interest as his Dad depicted for him to continue doing.
The star - studded trophy winning Lakers became Southern
California's most beloved sports franchise + cultural repre-
sentation of Los Angeles. Jerry's impact is felt worldwide.
The Laker team won 10 NBA titles on Jerry's watch.
The NBA has indeed lost a loyal and down to earth man.
He not only was so bright in chemistry, real estate purchase,
sports influence and many other interests, but he was such
a visionary. He will be sorely missed by us all. Rest in Peace.
Babs Wells
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