Jerry Buss, Legendary Los Angeles Lakers Owner, Passes Away at 77

Jerry Buss, the renowned owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away on February 18, 2013, at the age of 77 due to kidney failure. Buss bought the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million and under his ownership, the team won 10 championship titles, becoming a symbol of the era when celebrities began attending games and basketball transformed into a major spectacle.

Buss was not only a basketball enthusiast but also a passionate poker player. He participated in several poker tournaments, including the World Series of Poker. In 1991, he secured third place in a $2,500 Stud tournament at the World Series of Poker. His love for poker was so profound that he even considered becoming a professional poker player.

Buss's children, Jimmi and Ginni, are actively involved in the management of the Los Angeles Lakers. Jimmi handles 80% of the basketball-related decisions, while Ginni manages the business aspects. Buss expressed pride in his children's abilities, stating that they manage the organization better than he ever could.