Jerry Buss and the Lakers Ownership Timeline
Jerry Buss purchased the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 as part of a group that bought the team, the Forum, and a large stake in the Lakers' parent company from Jack Kent Cooke. The transaction marked the start of a long ownership period that lasted until his death in 2013. During that time, the Lakers became one of the most valuable and recognizable franchises in the NBA. Buss controlled the team through a holding company that managed the Lakers, the Forum, and other real estate and entertainment assets. His ownership spanned more than three decades of NBA championships, dynastic teams, and major business growth for the franchise.
The Lakers' value grew substantially under Buss, reflecting the team's on-court success and the broader rise of the NBA as a global entertainment brand. By the time of his passing, the franchise was widely regarded as one of the most valuable sports teams in the world. Buss's approach combined basketball operations with real estate and entertainment investments, creating a diversified portfolio centered on the Lakers brand. His ownership model influenced how NBA teams are valued and managed, and his legacy continues to shape the league's business landscape. The transition of control after his death kept the Lakers under the Buss family trust, preserving continuity in leadership.
Business and Financial Impact of Buss Ownership
Jerry Buss was a real estate developer and businessman before he became the owner of the Lakers, and he applied that background to the franchise's operations. He invested in the team's infrastructure, modernized the home arena, and pursued media and sponsorship deals that increased revenue streams. Under his leadership, the Lakers built one of the most iconic dynasties in sports history, winning multiple championships in the 1980s and again in the early 2000s. The franchise's brand value rose sharply, driven by star players, global marketing, and a strong connection to Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Buss treated the Lakers as part of a broader business empire that included real estate, hotels, and entertainment ventures, which helped insulate the team from short-term financial pressures.
The financial structure of the Lakers under Buss relied on a mix of ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and merchandise, supported by the team's sustained competitiveness. He was known for maintaining a relatively low public profile while focusing on long-term value creation rather than short-term headlines. Buss's estate planning ensured that the Lakers remained under family control after his death, with his six children inheriting shares through a trust. This arrangement has allowed the franchise to maintain stability in ownership and management, even as the NBA's business environment has evolved rapidly. The Lakers' continued prominence in league financial rankings reflects the foundation Buss built during his tenure.
Legacy and Current Status of the Lakers After Buss
Jerry Buss died in 2013, and ownership of the Lakers passed to his six children through a family trust that remains the controlling entity today. The trust structure has allowed the franchise to operate with continuity, even as individual family members have taken on different roles in the business and the NBA. The Lakers have remained competitive in the league, reaching the NBA Finals multiple times in the years following Buss's passing. The franchise's valuation has continued to climb, placing it among the most valuable sports teams globally. The Buss family's long-term ownership model has been studied by other sports franchises looking to balance family control with professional management.
Today, the Lakers are managed by a professional front office that operates under the guidance of the Buss family trust, with Jeanie Buss serving as the controlling owner and controlling owner representative. The team's business operations now include partnerships with major media companies, sponsors, and global brands, reflecting the NBA's expansion into international markets. The legacy of Jerry Buss is visible in the franchise's sustained focus on building a long-term brand rather than relying on short-term