Who Is The Owner Of The Los Angeles Lakers?

The Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers is Jeanie Buss.

While many know the Lakers for their excellent performance and championship victories, the individuals who guide the team behind the scenes play a crucial role.

In this article, we delve into the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, her personal life, family, career, net worth, and more!

Who Is The Owner Of The Los Angeles Lakers?

The owner of the Los Angeles Lakers is Jeanie Buss. She is a prominent figure in the world of professional basketball. She holds the position of controlling owner of the Lakers. Jeanie Buss inherited her role in Lakers ownership after the passing of her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, in 2013.

Jeanie Buss’s ownership of the Lakers represents a continuation of the Buss family’s deep-rooted association with the franchise. Her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, was the owner of the Lakers. He played a role in transforming the team into one of the most successful. He also worked to turn into an iconic franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Under Jeanie Buss’s leadership, the Lakers have experienced notable successes. These include winning multiple NBA championships. Her unwavering commitment to the franchise and her influence as the team’s controlling owner make her a central figure. Moreover, she is involved in the Lakers’ decision-making and operations.

Quick Facts

Certainly, here are some quick facts about Jeanie Buss:

Full Name: Jeanie Marie Buss
Age: Born on September 26, 1961, she is around 62 years old (as of 2023).
Parents: Daughter of Dr. Jerry Buss and JoAnn Mueller,
Siblings: Two older brothers (Johnny and Jim), a younger sister (Janie), and two half-brothers from her father’s previous relationship (Joey and Jesse).
Education: Graduated with honors from the University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in business.
Career Highlights: Jeanie Buss has had a diverse career in sports management, from managing the Los Angeles Strings tennis team to serving as the executive vice president of business operations for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Philanthropy: Actively involved in charitable causes, particularly those related to animals, and contributes to various organizations in the Los Angeles area.
Relationships: Married professional volleyball player Steve Timmons in 1990, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1993. She also had a significant relationship with former Lakers coach Phil Jackson and is currently engaged to comedian Jay Mohr.
Lakers Ownership: Jeanie Buss is the controlling owner and President of the Los Angeles Lakers, taking on this leadership role after her father’s passing in 2013.
Recognition: Jeanie Buss is recognized as a trailblazer for women in sports. She has received acknowledgments such as listed among the “Top 20 Most Influential Women in Sports” by Sporting News and hailed as “one of the most powerful women in the NBA” by ESPN.
Passion for the Lakers: Her deep passion for the Los Angeles Lakers is a defining aspect of her personal and professional life. She played a significant role in guiding the Lakers to multiple NBA championships.

Share Of Lakers Ownership

The share of Lakers ownership is a topic that has garnered significant attention over the years. It is particularly about Jeanie Buss and her family’s involvement with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Buss family’s ownership of the Lakers is a complex and evolving story. But it plays a pivotal role in the team’s legacy.

The Lakers’ ownership structure can be traced back to the late Dr. Jerry Buss. He was not only a prominent real estate tycoon but also the visionary owner of the Lakers. His success in the world of real estate allowed him to purchase the Lakers in 1979. It was a decision that would change the course of both the franchise and his family’s life.

Upon Dr. Buss’s passing in 2013, his controlling ownership of the Lakers transitioned to his six children through a family trust. Each of the six siblings was granted an equal vote in ownership matters. This structure ensured that ownership decisions were made collectively within the family.

However, it’s important to highlight that Jeanie Buss, one of Dr. Buss’s children, has emerged as the leading figure in Lakers ownership. She is the controlling owner of the team. She also serves as its President, a position she has held since the 2013-14 season.

While the Lakers have faced their share of challenges and changes in recent years, Jeanie Buss has remained steadfast in her commitment to the franchise. Her leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Lakers through both triumphant moments. They are winning their 17th NBA championship in 2020, and periods of rebuilding.

The Buss Family Trust indeed owns the Lakers. They had Jeanie Buss at the helm as the managing owner and President of the franchise. Her influence over the team is substantial. She is widely recognized for her dedication to the Lakers’ success.

Nonetheless, the future of ownership in professional sports is always subject to change. Various factors, including financial considerations, personal decisions, and strategic shifts, drive it. The fate of Lakers ownership is uncertain, as it is with any professional sports franchise.

Career History Of Jeanie Buss

Jeanie Buss’s career history is a remarkable journey that has left an indelible mark on the world of professional sports. It is particularly in the context of the Los Angeles Lakers. Let’s delve into the significant milestones of her career:

Early Life

Jeanie Buss was born in Santa Monica, California, on September 26, 1961. She was the third of six children. Her parents, JoAnn Mueller and Dr. Jerry Buss provided her with a comfortable upbringing due to her father’s success as a businessman. However, Jeanie didn’t merely rely on her family’s affluence. She had early experiences that shaped her career.

Sports Management At A Young Age

At the age of 19, Jeanie Buss began her career in sports management. She worked for her father’s tennis team, the Los Angeles Strings—this early exposure to the world of sports provided her with invaluable foundational knowledge in the industry.

Education And Continuous Involvement

Jeanie’s commitment to sports management was further solidified when she pursued a degree. She studied business at the University of Southern California (USC). She continued to work in various capacities for her father, Dr. Jerry Buss. So, she accumulating hands-on experience in sports management.

General Manager For Los Angeles Blades

In 1993, Jeanie Buss took on the role of general manager for the Los Angeles Blades, a roller hockey team. This position allowed her to gain crucial insights into the intricacies of managing sports teams. It broadened her professional horizons.

Executive Vice President Of Business Operations For The Lakers

In 1999, Jeanie’s career took a significant turn. It is where her father appointed her as the executive vice president of business operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. This pivotal moment marked her transition to a leadership role within one of the most iconic franchises in the NBA.

Thriving Leadership With The Lakers

Under Jeanie Buss’s guidance, the Los Angeles Lakers experienced remarkable success. They won numerous NBA championships and cemented their position as one of the league’s elite franchises. Her leadership was pivotal in shaping the Lakers’ legacy.

Ownership And Continued Commitment

After Dr. Jerry Buss’s passing in 2013, Jeanie Buss took over as the owner of the Lakers. Her commitment to the franchise has been evident, even during challenging times. One notable move was her appointment of Magic Johnson as the President of Basketball Operations in 2017. It was a decision that contributed to the Lakers’ 17th NBA championship in 2020.

Breaking Barriers And Inspiring Women

Jeanie Buss’s career has been characterized by her ability to break barriers in a male-dominated field. She serves as an inspiration to many women aspiring to make their mark in the world of sports. Her unique combination of business acumen and passion for the Lakers has solidified her as a force. It is reckoned with in professional basketball.

Personal Life Of Jeanie Buss

Jeanie Buss’s personal life is a blend of intriguing relationships, accomplishments, and a deep commitment to both her career and philanthropic endeavors.

Let’s explore the various facets of her personal life:

Early Life And Family

Jeanie Buss was born on September 26, 1961, in Santa Monica, California. Her parents are JoAnn Mueller and Dr. Jerry Buss. She was the third of six children in the Buss family, which would later become closely associated with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Marriage To Steve Timmons

In 1990, Jeanie Buss married professional volleyball player Steve Timmons. However, this union was relatively short-lived. It lasted for three years before ending in divorce in 1993. Buss has publicly acknowledged that her career and passion for sports often took precedence over her personal life during this period.

Relationship With Phil Jackson

One of the most high-profile aspects of Jeanie Buss’s personal life was her romantic relationship with legendary Lakers coach Phil Jackson. The two shared a close bond, and their relationship was a topic of considerable public interest. However, they never married, and in December 2016, Phil Jackson announced the end of their engagement.

Engagement With Jay Mohr

In 2017, Jeanie Buss began dating comedian Jay Mohr, marking a new chapter in her personal life. Their relationship continued to flourish, and in December 2022, they announced their engagement. It brings further joy to her personal life.

Advocacy For Charitable Causes

Beyond her career and personal relationships, Jeanie Buss is well-known for her commitment to charitable causes. It is particularly those related to animals. She actively supports and donates to various charitable organizations in the Los Angeles area. It was underscoring her dedication to making a positive impact on her community.

Passion For The Lakers

While much of her personal life has been in the public eye, Jeanie Buss’s unwavering dedication to the Los Angeles Lakers is a central aspect of her identity. Her love for the team and her commitment to its success are evident in her role as both the owner and President of the franchise.

About Her Family

Jeanie Buss hails from a prominent and well-known family. She has strong ties to both the sports and business worlds. Here’s an overview of her family:

Parents: Jeanie Buss is the daughter of JoAnn Mueller and Dr. Jerry Buss. Her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, was a highly successful businessman and entrepreneur who gained significant recognition as the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and several other sports businesses.

Siblings: Jeanie Buss has five siblings:

Johnny Buss
Jim Buss
Janie Buss
Joey Buss (half-brother)
Jesse Buss (half-brother)

Father’s Legacy: Dr. Jerry Buss’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the world of sports and the Los Angeles Lakers. He acquired the Lakers in 1979 and was instrumental in their transformation into one of the most iconic and successful franchises in the NBA. His success in real estate and sports ownership laid the groundwork. It was the foundation for Jeanie Buss’s future role within the Lakers organization.

Involvement in Family Business: Several members of the Buss family have been actively involved in the family’s business endeavors. Jeanie’s brother, Jim Buss, held a significant position as the executive vice president of basketball operations for the Lakers until 2017.

Lakers Ownership: The Buss Family Trust owns the Los Angeles Lakers. It comprises Jeanie and her five siblings. Each sibling has an equal vote in ownership matters. However, Jeanie Buss is the managing owner and serves as the President of the franchise. It made her the most influential figure within the family regarding the Lakers’ business decisions.

Continued Legacy: The Buss family’s legacy, especially in the context of the Lakers, is marked by their long-standing ownership. It also includes their commitment to the success of the franchise. Jeanie Buss’s pivotal role as the controlling owner and President ensures that the family’s influence continues to shape the Lakers’ future.

Jeanie Buss Honors And Awards

Jeanie Buss has received several significant honors and awards throughout her career. It reflects her contributions to the world of sports and entertainment. Some of her notable honors and awards include:

NBA Championships: Six-time NBA champion:

Five championships as a member of the Lakers front office (2000-2002, 2009, 2010)
One championship as the controlling owner (2020)

Sports Emmy Awards: In 2023, Jeanie Buss received the Sports Emmy Award for “Outstanding Documentary Series” as the executive producer of “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers.” This award acknowledges her role in creating an exceptional documentary series. It delves into the rich history and legacy of the Los Angeles Lakers.

These honors and awards underscore Jeanie Buss’s significant impact on the world of professional basketball. It also spoke of her successful foray into the realm of sports documentary production.

Jeanie Buss’s Net Worth

Jeanie Buss’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $500 million. Her wealth has been primarily amassed through her involvement in the world of professional basketball. She is notably the controlling owner and President of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jeanie Buss is a central figure in the Lakers’ ownership and management. She assumed the role of the controlling owner of the team after the passing of her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, in 2013. The Buss family, through a family trust, owns a substantial stake in the Lakers. However, Jeanie Buss is the most influential member among her siblings.

The valuation of the Los Angeles Lakers is an essential factor contributing to Jeanie Buss’s net worth. Given the significant market value of NBA franchises, especially a storied franchise like the Lakers, the family’s ownership stake holds substantial financial value.

While Jeanie Buss’s net worth is impressive, it is important to note that the financial worth of professional sports team owners can fluctuate over time. It is due to factors such as team performance, league economics, and market conditions. Additionally, her involvement in other ventures, such as sports documentary production, may also contribute to her overall wealth.

Faqs

Who owns the LA Lakers now?

Jeanie Buss is the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. She assumed this role after her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, passed away in 2013. The Lakers are owned by the Buss Family Trust, with Jeanie Buss being the most influential member among her siblings.

How did the Lakers owner make his money?

Dr. Jerry Buss, the former owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, made his fortune primarily through real estate investments. He was a successful real estate entrepreneur and investor. His financial success in real estate provided the foundation for his acquisition of the Lakers and other sports businesses.

Does Magic Johnson own the Lakers?

Magic Johnson, the legendary former Lakers player, is not the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been involved with the team in various capacities. They have served as the President of Basketball Operations in the past. So, he does not hold the primary ownership of the franchise.

How rich are the Lakers owners?

The wealth of the Lakers’ ownership, particularly Jeanie Buss, is significant. Jeanie Buss, as the controlling owner and President of the Lakers, is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $500 million.

Conclusion

From their early days as the Minneapolis Lakers to their dominance in the City of Angels, the Lakers have always been a team of champions. Standing at the helm of this celebrated franchise is a figure who combines a passion for the game. Her commitment to success and a familial legacy are deeply intertwined with the Lakers’ history.

Her leadership, together with the enduring influence of the Buss family, assures Lakers fans that the future is as bright. While the world of sports is known for its unpredictable twists and turns, one constant remains—the Lakers. It is under the ownership of Jeanie Buss, who continues to be a powerhouse in the NBA.

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