Jerry Buss
1933–2013 (age 80)
businessman and sports team owner
Biography
Jerry Buss was an American businessman and sports team owner who became one of the most influential figures in professional basketball. He acquired the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and transformed the franchise into a dynasty, winning five NBA championships during his ownership.
Under Buss's leadership, the Lakers became synonymous with excellence and entertainment, featuring legendary players and establishing a winning culture that defined an era of basketball. His visionary approach to sports management and business acumen left an indelible mark on the NBA and the sports industry at large.