Gerald Hatten “Jerry” Buss (January 27, 1933 – February 18, 2013) was an American businessman, real estate investor, and a former chemist. He was the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers professional basketball team along with other professional sports franchises in Southern California. 

Remembering Dr. Jerry Buss — The Architect of Showtime

As a lifelong Lakers fan who grew up mesmerized by the brilliance of the 1980s Showtime era, I can say without hesitation that Dr. Jerry Buss wasn’t just an owner — he was the soul of a dynasty. His vision didn’t just change the Lakers. It changed basketball. It changed Los Angeles. And for many of us, it changed our lives.

Gerald Hatten “Jerry” Buss was more than a businessman, real estate mogul, or former chemist. He was a dreamer who believed that basketball could be more than a game — it could be theater. And under his ownership, the Lakers became the greatest show in sports.

When he bought the team in 1979, he didn’t just inherit a roster — he inherited a city hungry for greatness. And he delivered. With Magic Johnson running the floor, Pat Riley on the sidelines, and the Forum pulsing with energy, Showtime was born. It was fast. It was flashy. It was fearless. And it was all Jerry.

But what made Dr. Buss truly special wasn’t just the championships — though there were plenty: 10 NBA titles under his ownership. It was the way he treated people. Players, coaches, fans — he made you feel like family. He empowered stars to shine, but he also built a culture of loyalty, trust, and excellence that defined the Lakers for decades.

In 2010, he was rightfully inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor to the sport. But for those of us who lived through the golden years, his legacy was already sealed long before that. He gave us Magic. He gave us Kobe. He gave us moments that still give us chills.

Even now, walking into Crypto.com Arena (though it’ll always be Staples to me), I can still feel his presence. The banners. The statues. The echoes of Chick Hearn’s voice. It’s all part of what Jerry built.

Thank you, Dr. Buss, for believing in the beauty of the game. For giving us Showtime. For giving us pride. For giving us the Lakers.

Forever grateful. Forever purple and gold.

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Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

Now I can understand the anger and pain of losing not only the talent but all the revenue that goes along with a LeBron James leaving your franchise but it’s pretty funny how these owners and managers of pro teams can be so indignant when they feel they have been slighted but they have no qualms about booting, cutting, trading, suspending,  fining or outright renouncing players as they see fit!! Hey Dan grow up!!! There are plenty of other players out there, sign some and get back to work.

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