Who is the Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers?

By Edcel Panganiban December 05, 2023 04:07

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful and popular basketball teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). With a rich history and a legacy of winning championships, the Lakers have captivated fans around the world. Behind every successful sports franchise, there is an owner who plays a crucial role in shaping the team's direction and success. In the case of the Lakers, the owner holds a significant position of power and responsibility. In this article, we will explore the current owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and delve into the history of ownership of this illustrious basketball franchise.

The Buss Family Legacy

The Los Angeles Lakers have been owned and operated by the Buss family since 1979. Dr. Jerry Buss, a successful real estate mogul, purchased the Lakers along with the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, the Forum arena, and a large tract of land in Inglewood, California. Dr. Buss was known for his flamboyant personality and his willingness to spend money to build a winning team.

The Passing of the Torch

Following the passing of Dr. Jerry Buss in 2013, his ownership stake in the Lakers was passed down to his six children through a trust. The Buss family made an agreement to keep the Lakers within the family and maintain their control over the franchise. The Buss children, Jim, Jeanie, Joey, Jesse, Johnny, and Janie, collectively share ownership of the team.

Jeanie Buss: The Face of Lakers Ownership

Among the Buss siblings, Jeanie Buss has emerged as the face of Lakers ownership. Jeanie Buss, the eldest daughter of Dr. Jerry Buss, has been actively involved in the operations of the team for many years. She has held several executive positions within the Lakers organization, including Vice President of Business Operations and Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations.

Becoming the Controlling Owner

In 2017, Jeanie Buss took a major step forward in her role as the owner of the Lakers. She successfully removed her brother Jim Buss from his position as the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations and assumed control of the team. This move solidified Jeanie Buss as the controlling owner of the Lakers and gave her the authority to make critical decisions regarding the team's future.

Jeanie Buss's Leadership and Vision

Under Jeanie Buss's leadership, the Lakers have undergone significant changes. She has implemented a new front office structure and brought in talented individuals to lead the team's basketball operations. One of the most notable hires was the appointment of Magic Johnson as the President of Basketball Operations. Although Magic Johnson's tenure was short-lived, it demonstrated Jeanie Buss's commitment to bringing in high-profile individuals to help lead the franchise.

Challenges and Successes

While Jeanie Buss has faced numerous challenges during her ownership of the Lakers, there have also been significant successes. The Lakers returned to the NBA Finals in 2020 for the first time since 2010, led by star players such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This success on the court has been a testament to Jeanie Buss's commitment to building a winning team and restoring the Lakers' glory.

The Buss Family's Continued Influence

Although Jeanie Buss is the controlling owner of the Lakers, the other Buss siblings still hold ownership stakes in the team. While they may not have the same level of involvement as Jeanie, their collective influence is important in shaping the direction of the franchise. The Buss family has always been committed to maintaining the Lakers as a family-owned team, and they continue to work together to ensure the team's success.

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic basketball franchises, have been under the ownership of the Buss family since 1979. Dr. Jerry Buss, the patriarch of the family, built a legacy of success and flamboyance during his time as the owner. Following his passing, ownership of the Lakers was passed down to his six children, with Jeanie Buss emerging as the controlling owner. Under Jeanie Buss's leadership, the Lakers have experienced both challenges and successes, with a renewed focus on building a winning team. The Buss family's commitment to maintaining the Lakers as a family-owned team ensures that their influence will continue to shape the franchise's future.