Los Angeles Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss - A true sports visionary

First Decade of the New Millennium (2000-2010)

The Los Angeles Lakers started off the new millennium with a three-peat.

However the build-up to this three-peat started way back in the summer of 1996 when Dr. Buss acquired Shaquille O’Neal, the then Orlando Magic’s rising star, and Kobe Bryant, a talented youngster from Philadelphia. A series of disappointing Playoff performances led to the appointment of Phil Jackson as the new head coach, a year after he resigned from the Chicago Bulls.

His appointment as head coach immediately led to three consecutive NBA titles led by their superstar duo of Bryant and Shaq.

Key acquisitions decisions made by Dr. Buss strengthened the roster with strong role players to help the star duo.

Drafting Derek Fisher in 1996 and acquiring Robert Horry from the Phoenix Suns midway through the 1996-97 season were key decisions made that played a huge role in the three-peat.

In the years after three-peat, the Lakers were made into a superstar team with the acquisition of Gary Payton and Karl Malone.

None of the acquisitions however could bring the gold back to Hollywood and with the chemistry between Bryant and Shaq failing to a point beyond repair, Dr. Buss decided to give in to Shaq’s demand for a trade and stuck with a younger Bryant, who he convinced to stay with the Lakers.

A move which would earn him and the Lakers franchise another two rings when they won back to back titles in 2009 and 2010. It wasn’t easy though; Lakers went through a rebuilding phase consisting of two mediocre seasons in 2005-06 and 2006-07.

Dr. Buss remained patient and along with Phil Jackson, built a strong, young and talented team around Bryant through the drafts. Players such as Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic and Lamar Odom all either acquired through a trade or were drafted by the Lakers and were a key part of the championship run in 2009.

However the acquisition of Pau Gasol was considered the final move which would make the Lakers a title contender once again. His impact was clearly seen, as the Lakers made it three Finals appearances in his first three years with the franchise.

David Stern giving a speech at the memorial service held at Nokia Theatre for Dr. Jerry Buss three days after his death.

He fell victim to a kidney failure and passed away on February 18^th of this year. A memorial service was held at Nokia Theatre 3 days later where many coaches and players who played for him attended and spoke.

A true visionary

Defeat or Victory, Dr. Buss always took measures to get better next season or the next game. He was never shy at using money to rope in players to the roster and was a huge factor behind Lakers constructing a 100 million dollar starting line-up consisting of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard prior to the 2012-2013 season.

His decision throughout have been the trademark of his tenure and have always stood out from the rest of the owners in the league.

His Legacy

He was announced as a member of the 2010 induction class of the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

“The NBA has lost a visionary owner whose influence on our league is incalculable and will be felt for decades to come,” David Stern said. “More importantly, we have lost a dear and valued friend.”

I guess we can all agree with NBA Commissioner on this one.

Kobe Bryant said, “His impact is felt worldwide”.

He would always be remembered as one of most successful and respected sports owners in the history of professional sports in North America.